I know it's been a while. First things first, I haven been on a very long break due to personal stuff, and recently it's been hard to get back into the zone of writing. Secondly, I have so many stories I need to continue and it's very overwhelming to think about. So, I will do my best to continue and finish this story. Again, sorry for the delay, and I hope you guys will continue to read and review. Also, it has been months since I have written so if my writing doesn't seem the best I promise it will get better again just bare with me, I'm just now getting back into it. Thanks! On with Chapter 13!

Chapter 13

"Huh, what?" Hannyuu let out as she backed up on her bottom, hands in the dirt. "No, Rika, no!" She could see the sneer on her friend's face, and feel the suspense as she watched the girl put her hands out in front of her and chuckled in a sinister way.

Nothing was as fun, yet scary, as an upcoming tickle attack, and Hanyuu couldn't help but feel overpowered as the slightly smaller child slowly shifted forward. Before she knew it she could feel Rika leaping down at her as she let out a fearful shriek.

A faint cackle came from Satoko, who stood just a few feet behind. She was not planning on helping Hanyuu get out of the tortuous fun, and only continued to laugh as she heard Hanyuu cry, "Traitor, Satoko! Help me!"

Rika's evil laugh slowly turned into a cute giggle as she continued to tickle her friend, who only cried, feeling defeated.

"Rika," Satoko started as she grinned at her friends before walking over to the empty school building and placing her hand against the outside wall before peering over at them. It was quite entertaining for the blonde-haired girl, and she loved seeing the happiness in her best friend; so she tried to ignore her constant hunger and the need to get home and start cooking dinner.

Rika, who still went on with her game, went into a brief thought. She wanted her days to continue on like this forever, so no matter what it took, she knew she and her friends would find a way to keep Akio from hurting Mion. Afterall, her club had everything when they were complete.

After another moment passed, Satoko decided it was time to call it quits so they could head home and get food. However, before she could suggest it, she stared ahead questionably when she heard voices and saw a shadow from above.

Hanyuu tried her best to get out of Rika's grasp. She and Rika had not yet noticed what Satoko was seeing, until the blonde was able to get them off the ground, and pulled them to the side of the school building to hide.

"I don't care about that, I will do whatever," a familiar voice said.

The three girls noticed Akio walking over while having a conversation with his bodyguard. "Akio," Hanyuu said softly.

"And that man," Rika added. She definitely knew they were up to something, and the only way to find out was to stay and eavesdrop. There was nothing evil about spying if it meant protecting people from the enemy.

"Okay," the older man replied, unaware that the girls were hiding nearby. "Then I suggest heading over tonight. He will be alone tonight."

Rika bit her lip as she eyed the two suspiciously. SHe could already tell what they were planning, and she didn't like it.

"You said you left your school bag here?" Akio's body guard stepped forward, which got the children to quickly dash to the other side of the school.

They only got far enough where Akio wouldn't be able to hear their voices, and then Rika faced her friends with concern. "Keiichi is in danger," she said.

"We have to warn him," Hanyuu added. Her suggestion went into motion as the three jolted to Keiichi's house, which got the boy cautious when he saw the horrified looks on his friends' faces.

"Yes, my parents went on a business trip," Keiichi said slowly after the girls asked him. He instantly urged them to explain what was going on, and the three stepped inside without any hesitation.

Hanyuu was already fidgeting nervously as Rika explained to Keiichi what they heard when they were playing outside the school. Satoko was ready to kick some sense into the boy if he chose to not believe their story.

However, Keiichi wasn't a bit surprised, and already came up with a solution, which calmed his friends down a bit. Rika was the first to smile with relief, and immediately threw a hug at him.

Keiichi felt his cheeks flush up as he stared down at her awkwardly, but he tried to ignore his friend's sudden affections and continued on with his plan. "I'll just go to Mion's house and tell her what's going on."

"Hah, that's right!" Satoko let out proudly. "Since she's the next head of the family, they could probably take care of this!"

"Yeah, Akio won't know what's coming!" Keiichi cackled. It was enough to get him and the others motivation and positivity.

Rika smiled warmly and felt relieved. I knew I could count on you, Keiichi, she thought to herself. Hanyuu had the same feeling as the three of them left the house to prepare for their dinner.

Keiichi couldn't cook for his life, so he was certain that once he would arrive at Mion's, there would be a meal waiting for him. He didn't have any hesitation toward his last minute plans.

As the boy made his way away from his house, he heard a familiar voice calling his name, and an orange-headed girl sprinting her way over to him. She had her hand placed on her hat so it wouldn't fall off, and her white dress flared out as she dashed forward.

"Keiichi-Kun!" she called once again.

Keiichi stopped in his tracks once his friend, who was trying to catch her breath, finally stood in front of him. "Wow, Rena," the boy rudely started and gave her a funny look, "you look like you're dying."

The girl instantly scowled hurtfully, giving him the puppy eyes. "Why are you so mean, Keiichi-Kun? Why?"

Keiichi tried to ignore her cuteness, remaining unfazed by her expressions. "Why are you running?"

Rena's face changed completely as her eyes beamed with excitement. "I found something at the treasure dump, but I need help pulling it out!"

"Hm? You mean, it's something heavy?"

Rena nodded cutely, knowing that her friend would help her since she wasn't the strongest. It's a treasure chest!"

Keiichi was caught off guard by her words, and immediately jumped back in surprise. "It is?!"

Rena eagerly took the boy's hand, and began to drag him away and toward the junk yard where she found all of her treasures.

Keiichi knew that whatever looked like junk to him, appeared like treasure to her, but Rena seemed pretty sincere that the "treasure chest" was legit. He didn't question her, and ran ahead with Rena, knowing that his unexpected visit to Mion's would wait. It wasn't as though he wasn't safe, since he wouldn't be at his own house where Akio would start his threatening actions.

The treasure chest really did look exactly as Rena explained. It was a medium size trunk, easily visible in a pile of garbage. Keiichi knew it would be easy to get to as long as he would have the help to carry it to Rena's house.

"I figured we could use it for all the outfits we use for the punishment games!" Rena squealed.

Keiichi, knowing that wasn't a bad idea, was already at it, grabbing at the rusted up trunk and pulling it out of the pile. He felt like he would accomplish a lot by helping Rena, and he didn't hesitate one second.

"A saw a skateboard," Rena said as she watched her friend struggle, "we can use it to move the chest! I'll go get it!"

Keiichi stopped what he was doing and collapsed dramatically as Rena took off in the other direction. "Oh, thank God!" He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the palm of his hand, and heard the sound of the crying cicadas.

After sitting up, Keiichi felt a slight breeze, and when he glanced to his side, he suddenly saw Rika standing a few feet away. Her hair was briefly swaying in the wind, and her eyes were full of fear and concern.

Keiichi stared at the child in full suspense and silently for only a few seconds before reaction. "Rika-Chan?"

"Keiichi, you have to hurry," she said in her low mature tone, which startled the boy.

Keiichi blinked in confusion. "What? What's going on?"

"I just found out that Akio changed his plans," Rika continued. "He called Mion, and is having her head to his house!"

Keiichi grew concerned, and quickly stood up. "Why does he want her there?"

"To get what he wants, to take what he wants."

Keiichi heard this heart pounding in his head, and slowly backed up, planning to get a head start as his friend continued to tell him her predictions.

"Mion is in danger, you have to go now and save her!"