Chapter 12 - "Did you know jungles are scary?"

Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.

"No," Haruhi shrieked, "don't you dare!"

Haruhi landed in the pool with her arms flailing around her, landing with a great splash that also soaked the one who pushed her in. Natsumi laughed, and dived in after her. Haruhi resurfaced, gasping for air as Natsumi bobbed up, chuckling.

"Damn you, Natsumi. I wasn't planning on going in just yet." Haruhi panted, giving Natsumi a good splash in the face. Natsumi chuckled, sticking out her tongue and winked with her gray eye.

"Oh well." Natsumi grinned, "You're in now so just enjoy it." Haruhi paddled over to the steps, trying to get out but Natsumi stopped her. She jumped on Haruhi's back, wrapping her arms around her friend's chest. "Where you going?" Natsumi chuckled, pulling herself and Haruhi back into the clear water.

Leaning their arms against the edge of the pool, the two girls were relaxing. Admiring Haruhi's pink bikini, Natsumi cooed, "That's a nice bikini you got there."

"This thing?" Haruhi looked down and started fiddling with the frills. "Kaoru told me that the last time we went here, his twin maids forced me to wear this. I never knew I kept it."

Natsumi placed her hands on the edge and pushed herself up. Offering her hand to Haruhi, Haruhi grabbed it and yanked down sharply, causing Natsumi to tumble in. Haruhi was laughing as Natsumi resurfaced, rubbing the water of out her green eye with a slight pout on her face. "Revenge!" Haruhi laughed, as she paddled away.

Natsumi swam over to the steps. As she was just about to climb out, Haruhi called, "Do you mind getting me a float? I think they're at the main building."

Natsumi wrung her ponytail, the last few drops running down her back. She shook her head, "I don't mind. I'll get it now."

"Ah, thanks!" Haruhi smiled, floating on her back and staring up at the ceiling of the dome, which surrounded the whole thing. A smile played at Natsumi's lips as she passed Kyoya, who was sitting at a table under an umbrella typing away on his laptop. "S'up Specs?" Natsumi called over her shoulder which caused Kyoya to glare at her.

"Why must you call me that?"

Natsumi responded by sticking out her tongue. She strolled on by Mori and Honey who were busy playing with the exotic birds. She entered the building and grabbed the nearest float, noticing that Tamaki and the twins were in the room with her too. She narrowed her eyes and stared at the three who all had innocent expressions locked onto their faces. The three of them had their hands behind their backs, causing Natsumi to lean over, trying to see.

"You might need this, Natsumi!" Tamaki smiled, throwing her a massive water gun, filled to the brim. She stared down at the gun, her eyes widening slowly as she realised what was about to happen.

She couldn't tell who shot first, but she managed to block it with the float she held in her hands. "Wait!" Natsumi cried, peeking around her shield. "Lemme give this to Haruhi, okay?" The three nodded, walking outside and taking their positions. "You're in my team. Is that alright?" Tamaki asked, taking shelter behind a rock. Natsumi nodded.

Natsumi sprinted to the pool and dropped the lilo, causing ripples. "Thanks." Haruhi smiled, watching her friend turn in a hurry and sprint back the way she came. Once she got there, she ducked behind a rock beside Tamaki.

"We just take cover and shoot." Tamaki explained, "We can't get hit."

Natsumi nodded, a serious expression on her face. She peeked out behind her shelter, and quickly retreated as a stream of water landed where her face was seconds ago.

"They have good aim." Natsumi sighed, "Do you know where they are?"

"Kaoru's in the trees, or Hikaru is," Tamaki pointed to the cluster of exotic trees nearby, "and Hikaru's at those loungers, way over there, or that could be Hikaru." From the angle that the two were, they could clearly see Hikaru. But he was far away, crouching down beside some loungers and aiming his gun in Natsumi's direction. Natsumi furrowed her brows - she was going to get that little twin. "I'm having trouble telling the twins apart. And it doesn't help that they are so far away.

"Cover me."

"What?" Tamaki cried, almost dropping his gun.

"I'm going to sprint into those trees, find one of them and shoot him."

"B-but!" Tamaki stuttered, gripping his gun tighter. "The twins are agile and whoever he is, he might shoot you…"

"It's a risk worth taking. Just cover me, okay?"

Tamaki pouted, shifting over so he could lean his gun on a partially-covered section of the rock. He aimed the gun, and from the corner of his eye he could see Hikaru run. "He's running!"

"Who, Kaoru? Or who you assume to be Kaoru?"

"No, Hikaru, I think. I honestly don't know." Tamaki pouted, putting his finger on the trigger. "He ran into the trees. I think he's at the far back though but that's too far to shoot."

Natsumi clutched the gun to her chest. She swiped away the bangs from her eyes, tucking them behind her ears. "I'm still going. Just stay covered and cover me, okay?"

One twin ran out from the trees, holding his gun to his chest as he ran towards the main building. Tamaki shot at him, but missed, as he wasn't near enough to shoot. "One of them is in the building. Probably getting a drink from the vending machine or something."

"We don't have to worry about him then." Natsumi shifted into a squatting position, holding her gun firmly in her hands. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled, "Just cover me, okay?"

Tamaki nodded and poised his gun, sneaking a glance at Natsumi as she straightened up and bolted to take cover at the trees. Tamaki shot in every direction at the trees, hoping that he distract Kaoru, or Hikaru. Natsumi bobbed down, sliding her back down the tree as she squatted, giving Tamaki the thumbs up. She held the gun firmly in her hands and placed her finger on the trigger. Closing her eyes and concentrating on her sense of hearing, she could hear a few birds squawking, and slight thudding.

She bent round, and started crawling on her knees. She slowly crawled to a bush, hiding behind it as she peeked out, searching for one of the twins. A flash of skin and a pair of orange shorts ran by the bush, so close to her face, and headed to the trees. He leant against the tree, his back towards Natsumi and sighed. "Where is she?"

Natsumi shifted slightly, a branch crackling under her knee, warning the other half of the Hitachiin brothers. The auburn haired teen rotated his head, his wide eyes filled with panic. He shot at Natsumi, but she dodged it and ran. Natsumi slowly followed after him, stalking the fleeting teen like how a lion stalked its prey.

His heart was beating furiously, and his palms were slick. He was facing the best female martial arts expert in Japan. Of course he would be scared! He couldn't hear much, apart from his own breathing and the chirping of the birds as he aimlessly wandered around, poising his gun.

Natsumi snuck up behind him, her eyes focusing on his head. She didn't care if this was Hikaro or Kaoru, but she knew that she needed to shoot. She didn't want to shoot too far away from him, because he could dodge and shoot back. So, she crept closer and if his head turned ever so slightly, her cover would be blown. She snuck up slowly, with her gun in one hand and quickly stood, never making any sound. She slung an arm around his neck, pulling him close against her. The teen dropped his gun, and Natsumi kicked it away with her foot. He tried clawing off her arm, but it was stuck there. She aimed her gun at his back, and he was about to yell for help. Natsumi inched her head forward, whispering "Shh, it's okay. Not tell me this. Are you... Kaoru?"

She watched as he silently nodded, his eyes full with panic. She narrowed her eyes, unsure if he was lying or not. But he had no reason to lie to her, because he knew he was about to get eliminated from the game, no matter what answer he chose to give.

She pressed the trigger, and a stream of cold water hit Kaoru's back. "Ah!" Kaoru yelped, as Natsumi removed her arm, "That was cold."

Natsumi giggled, turning on her heel and walking back the way she came. "Good game, Kaoru-kun." Natsumi called over her shoulder, giving a slight wave. Kaoru stood there, his jaw hanging open.

Natsumi crouched at the trees, staring at the rock that Tamaki was hiding behind. "Tamaki!" She whispered loudly, causing a blonde head to pop out. Visibly relaxing when he saw the girl, he quietly asked, "Did you get him?"

Natsumi gave him a smug look and replied that she did, and that it was Kaoru she had eliminated. "Where's Hikaru?" She slung the gun over her shoulder, still in a squatting position.

"Still in the building." Tamaki shifted his gun, watching Natsumi run over and plonk herself down beside the blonde. "You should have seen the look on Kaoru's face!" Natsumi laughed, setting the gun on her lap.

"We still need to get Hikaru though. Then we can celebrate." Tamaki sternly said. He hummed a little French tune, thinking of the next step in their battle plan. A light bulb pinged inside his head, as he said, "Why don't you be the distraction for him to come out and when he does, I'll shoot him!"

Natsumi mulled this over. "Okay… You stick close to the door, okay? Don't let him see you. Wait until I pull him out a little."

"Okay!" Tamaki beamed, "We're the best team ever, Natsumi!" He high-fived his friend and Natsumi chuckled. She shoved Tamaki out of his little spot and took it, poising her gun towards the building's only door. She ushered Tamaki away, so he crawled to the door. Crouching by the corner, he gave Natsumi a thumbs up.

The girl took deep breaths, and stood up. Hikaru was beside the door, staring out from the clear glass. He hadn't noticed Tamaki, which was a good thing. Natsumi slung the gun over her shoulder, and walked out into the open. Raising her hands up, she leaned heavily on one foot.

Hikaru cracked open the door slightly, and called out. "Where's Tono?"

"He's been shot." She glanced at the corner, but Hikaru didn't notice. "I'm giving up."

Hikaru raised his gun, aiming at her. Natsumi crossed her arms and glared, "Don't you dare. Come out and shoot me, face to face."

Hikaru furrowed his eyebrows. "Drop the gun."

Natsumi did as she was told, and placed it beside her. "Now, kick it away." He ordered, taking a step out of his shelter.

Muttering to herself, she kicked it away and placed her hands on her hips. "You happy now?"

Hikaru slowly walked towards her, an evil grin spread on his face. "I'd be even happier if you took off your t-shirt." He winked, causing Natsumi to shudder. Such a pervert, Natsumi thought angrily, He needs to be taught a painful lesson or two.

He reached for his gun, slowly placing it in his hands. He aimed at her chest, all the while giving her a creepy grin. Natsumi shuddered. Just when would Tamaki shoot him? As if hearing her prayer, Tamaki jumped out and charged at Hikaru, yelling a battle cry.

Hikaru swivelled round, his eyes dark. He aimed his gun at Tamaki but Natsumi jumped onto Hikaru's back, tightly wrapping her legs around his waist and covering his eyes with her hands. He thrashed around, shooting blindly but never managing to hit Natsumi nor Tamaki. Natsumi jumped off, and as adjusted his eyes, he felt the cold water hit his stomach.

Natsumi jumped, punching the air. "Yay!" She cheered, a big grin etched on her face, "We did it!" She ran over to Tamaki and hugged him, tightly squeezing him. Colour rose to Tamaki's cheeks as he chuckled.

Hikaru muttered to himself as he turned on his heel, entering the building and bending down to pick up his can of juice. He went outside, shielding his eyes with his hands as he scanned the inside of the dome. Natsumi and Tamaki were walking over to Kyoya who was sitting at a table under an umbrella, Kaoru was walking out from the cluster of trees, Mori and Honey were watching the exotic parrots and also feeding them, and Haruhi was no where in sight. He smiled to himself as he downed the rest of his juice. When he was finished, he threw the can behind him as it hit off the wall and hit a big red button, 'accidentally'. He chuckled as the big, red button flashed and a scream was heard.

It was Haruhi's scream. She was clutching on to the float for dear life as a massive wave came out from nowhere, crashing into her and knocking her off her float. The wave shoved her down the stream that curved itself into the jungle. She tried swimming to the edge of the stream, but she couldn't. The current was too fast, and as stupid as it sounds, she had to go with the flow.

Everyone's heads shot up as they heard the scream. All ran to Kyoya, where they found him with his legs crossed and worry etched onto his features.

"Do you remember what happened last time we went here?" Kyoya asked, shutting his laptop.

Everyone nodded, apart from Natsumi. Kyoya faced the confused girl and explained what happened, every now and again glancing at Hikaru. But the accused stood there with his arms folded, an innocent expression on his face.

"This is what we will do. Mori and Honey, you follow the stream." Mori and Honey nodded, following the stream as they bid their friends good luck. "Hikaru and Kaoru, you take the left side." Hikaru and Kaoru stood to attention, and made their way over. "Tamaki and Natsumi, you take the right side." Kyoya ordered, pointing to the other side of the trees.

Natsumi opened her mouth to speak but Kyoya interrupted her, "I will stay here, incase she manages to find her way back."

It was around twenty minutes into the search, and Haruhi hadn't been found. Hikaru and Kaoru were walking side by side, uncharacteristically silent. Hikaru swatted some low hanging leaves, as Kaoru stared at the ground in front of them.

"Why'd you do it?"

"Do what?" Hikaru asked innocently, glancing at his brother from the corner of his eye.

"She could be injured, or worse."

"I have no idea what you're on about." Hikaru shook his head.

"Don't you play dumb with me," Hikaru snapped, "for all we know, she could be injured or dead by now. Don't you remember that there are alligators and snakes here?" The panic in Kaoru's voice caused Hikaru to stop in his tracks, his eyes wide. Kaoru wasn't lying - he knew his brother wouldn't lie to him. What if Haruhi got bitten by one of the snakes? They were exotic, and most likely a few could be poisonous.

"Why are you doing this?" Kaoru asked sharply, leaning against a tree and staring at his brother.

"Doing what?" Hikaru nervously chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.

"This!" Kaoru snapped, "All of this! It's not her fault that she had an accident and lost memories. She couldn't control it."

Hikaru sunk down, holding his head in his hands. Kneading his fingers into his hair, he panicked. What if Haruhi ended up in hospital? What if she ended up dead? The girl was clumsy and didn't have the skills of Honey, who ended up in this predicament last time.

Hikaru shot up and started running. "Where are you going?" Kaoru called after him, jogging slightly.

"I have to find her! I have to apologise!"

Another ten minutes had passed and Haruhi still hadn't been found. Natsumi took lead, as she weaved her way past the low hanging leaves, holding a few back for Tamaki. Tamaki was slowly walking behind her, keeping an eye out for Haruhi.

The two were silent. "Calm down, Tamaki." Natsumi sighed, looking over her shoulder. "Don't worry! Haruhi's a tough cookie."

"B-but…" Tamaki stuttered, clasping his hands together behind his back.

"Haruhi will be fine, trust me. She knows how to handle herself." Natsumi swivelled round, placing her hands on her hips. A small yellow thing peeked out from a branch of a well leaf-covered tree. Snaking its way down, it inched closer towards Natsumi's ponytail.

"Natsumi! Outta the way!" Tamaki yelled as he pushed his friend out of the way, causing the small snake to shake and fall out of the tree. It landed on the leafy floor with a small thud, coiling itself up and just staring at the two. Its black slits for eyes staring at them, watching them. Natsumi swooped down, picking it up from its body and quickly throwing it back up into the tree. Tamaki was shaking and staring at the snake in fear, as Natsumi stared at it in awe as it slowly slithered away.

"An eyelash pit viper. Never expected to see one here." Natsumi breathed, staring in awe as it slithered up some branches. "It's a tree snake. It feels vulnerable when on the ground."

"It could have bitten you! I'm a hundred percent certain that that snake is poisonous. Picking it up like that… it could have bitten you!" Tamaki exclaimed, his eyes wide and full of panic.

"Yes, I know that." Natsumi smiled, tucking her bangs behind her ears.

"Natsumi… Please be careful, for my sake. Okay?" Tamaki grabbed Natsumi's hand, causing Natsumi to blush and shake her hand free.

"Wha-whatever!"

Fifteen minutes had past, and Haruhi was still missing. She could be sitting under a tree, in the stomach of alligators, a chew toy for snakes, getting devoured by quicksand… The scenarios were endless.

Mori was panicking, big time. He remembered when Honey went missing and he ended up carrying Haruhi as she was clumsy. Tripping over branches, scraping herself… And it didn't help that she was slightly scared of the snakes.

"We need to split up."

Mori widened his eyes. He said nothing as Honey continued. "There's better chances of finding her if we do. You know that."

Mori opened his mouth to speak, staring down at his cousin. "I'll be fine. There's no need to worry." Honey interrupted, taking a sharp turn into the trees. "Continue along this path, okay? I'll go this way."

"Yell if you find her." Mori said quietly, glancing over his shoulder. Honey's reply was a loud hum, and he continued trekking into the trees.

Mori ran a hand through his hair, scanning the surrounding bushes and trees as he walked deeper. Every so often he would hear slight thudding, but he convinced himself that it was just the animals that lived here. Snakes hissed as they slithered along the ground, twisting around some fallen logs or a few rocks. Birds cried, perched up in the high branches of the trees. A few of the braver ones swooped down, perching themselves on the branches closest to Mori's height.

A red macaw with yellow and blue feathers on his wings swooped down, landing on Mori's head. It bent down, and nibbled his hair, pecking at his scalp. Mori raised his hands above his head, gently trying to remove the bird, but all it did was shriek and flap its colourful wings.

The bird raised his colourful wings, and flew away. Mori watched it leave, walking slowly as the colours faded from his sight. For a split second, Mori wondered if he would ever see that bird again. But he continued along his path, searching for Haruhi.

A few minutes had passed. Mori kept searching, but with no luck. Haruhi was still missing. Just about as he was to turn around and re-search the way he came, colours swept around him - circling around his head. The mass of colours cried, landing on a rock and ruffling its feather. It was the same macaw as before. Mori smiled and advanced cautiously, a hand raised before him.

The bird tilted his head and flapped his wings, landing on a branch a few meters away. Mori slowly followed with his hand still in front of him. He tried beckoning the bird forward but it flew away, landing on a log. The bird turned, ruffling its feather, as if to say 'follow me'. And as crazy as it sounds, Mori did. He jogged slightly as the bird flew, gliding skilfully and slowly through the branches.

The bird sped up, causing Mori to run after it. A few times he tripped, but dusted himself off and ran after it. The macaw cried every so often, slightly looking over its wings to check if Mori was there. The bird sharply turned right, almost causing Mori to run into a tree.

Light streamed into his eyes and he lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the blinding light. The macaw perched itself on his shoulder, ruffling his colourful feathers and nudging his head. Mori turned his head to his left, his eyes widening.

Underneath what could have been the tallest tree in the jungle, sat a figure, hunched up with her head on her knees. Mori walked over, confused. Could this be a hallucination? The macaw hopped off Mori's shoulder, and onto Haruhi's head, were it nibbled her locks and squawked.

Haruhi raised her head slightly and the macaw hopped onto her arm, ruffling his feathers. He lifted his wings and advanced forward, giving Haruhi's face a hug. Or something along the lines of a hug anyway.

"Skittles! Let me breathe." was Haruhi's muffled reply, as she tried tearing away the bird's wings.

Skittles hopped backwards, landing on Haruhi's knees with a loud squawk. Haruhi's hands rose up to her face, and began to rub her eyes.

"Skittles?"

Haruhi jumped, peeking out from between her fingers. Her shoulders slumped when she spotted Mori.

"Takashi…" she said with a breathy voice, "You found me."

Mori bent down, placing his hand gently on Haruhi's shoulder. "It's okay."

"Did you know jungles are scary?" Haruhi mumbled, "Or what ever this place is? It's scary."

Haruhi held up a hand. With an embarrassed look on her face, she mumbled, "Do you mind helping me up? I think I sprained my ankle."

Mori wrapped one arm around Haruhi's back, and one under her knees. Carrying Haruhi in this fashion sure made it a lot easier for Mori, every time he had to lift her. Haruhi let her head lean against Mori's bare chest. If she was quiet enough, she could hear his heart beat loudly, and quickly too. Mori looked down, smiling at the sight of Haruhi as he wrapped his arms around her a little bit more securely.

"How long was I missing?"

"Around 45 minutes." Mori said quietly, sidestepping around a log.

Skittles squawked, circling around the two as they made their way back to Kyoya and the others. He closed his beak and landed on Haruhi's arms, before hopping up and pecking at her fingers. Haruhi smiled and stroked his head, her fingers running off his smooth feathers.

"Do you think Kyoya will let me keep him?"

Mori smiled. "Maybe."

This chapter has been edited, and reposted.