"Okay... 47!" J.P. shouts as the group is in the stump.
"Wow! You're right! Okay what number am I thinking of now? And don't guess 10!" Kelsey says.
"Done. That's everything for me. Got all my stuff and my brother knows where I'm gonna be today since that was the first thing I did this morning." Alexis says as she finishes packing.
"Same with me. Alrighty fully packed and ready to go. Y'know? To go on that hike? With the... With the champions of the other side of the Creek?" Craig asks as he smiles.
"Mm-hmm we know. You've been telling us about it since they asked you and Alexis last week." Kelsey says.
"10." J.P. says.
"What? Ugh! Okay. What number am I thinking of now?" Kelsey asks.
"And it's not just to any location. It's like some super cool hike with a waterfall that's hidden deep in the Creek." Craig says excitedly.
"Yeah. It does sound pretty exciting from the way Jackie and Keun Sup described it. I'm looking forward to it. But then again Craig kept pestering until I agreed to go knowing how I am around those two." Alexis says as she blushes slightly before glaring at Craig.
"To be fair they asked me to talk you into going. So that was not my idea. But they wanted to hang out with you and knew you wouldn't do it without someone coming with you. Plus they figured you'd say no if they asked themselves. But naturally moi was invited to map it with my super map skills to pay the bills." Craig says proudly as Alexis smiles at him and shakes her head.
"Yeah well I blame you for the uncomfortable vibe with them if something gets said." Alexis says as she playfully glares at Craig.
"I can live with that." Craig says as he smiles.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Have fun you two. Don't embarrass yourself. Okay now!" Kelsey says.
"Embarrass myself? How would I embarrass myself?" Craig asks annoyedly.
"Well to be fair the champions are super cool. So is Alexis considering she can turn into a wolf. And you don't know how to wear a purse." J.P. says as Craig puts his purse on his back.
"It's called a life hack!" Craig says annoyedly before he and the group hear buzzing.
"Uh Craig I think that's Jackie texting me." Alexis says as she pulls out her phone and sees a text from Jackie.
"What did he say?" Craig asks as he takes Alexis's phone.
"Uh you could of just asked for my phone you know." Alexis says annoyedly.
"Sorry. Just a bit excited. Whoa. That's a lot of messages from Jackie and Keun Sup. For someone who claims to not be very fond of them for past events you guys sure do text each other a lot." Craig says as Alexis blushes.
"Just read what he sent. Also I'm not fond of them. Tolerant yes fond no. I'm just being friendly. Nothing else." Alexis says as she grumbles.
"Sure you are." Craig says as he smiles.
"Oh hush. Besides you haven't got much room to talk with how you first got to interact with them since the flag war." Alexis says.
"Fair. Anyway Jackie said yo dudes we're gonna head out soon. Get over here nerd, wolfy. Joking guys. But seriously get ready." Craig says.
"I guess that's are cue. They won't wait forever for us." Alexis says as she grabs her backpack.
"Okay! I'll text you guys later!" Craig says as he and Alexis leave.
*Timeskip*
"Hey Aggie!" Craig says as he and Alexis walk up to Aggie and Keun Sup as they're outside Jackie's house.
"Hey Keun-Sup! Where's Jackie?" Alexis asks.
"Hey guys!" Aggie says.
"Don't worry. You're just in time. Jackie's saying goodbye to his dad and then we'll hit the trail!" Keun Sup says as Jackie is talking to his dad through sign language before coming over.
"What's up Jackie?" Craig asks as he uses sign language to talk to Jackie as he hands Alexis a note book before she sees he is saying she looks nice today.
"Hi Jackie. You look good yourself today. Glad to see you held onto the book I gave you." Alexis says shyly as she blushes while doing sign language.
"And nice to see you're making use of the sign language book I gave you. Definitely helps huh Wolf Girl?" Keun Sup asks as he chuckles.
"I see the nickname thing hasn't went anywhere. But yes it has been helping. Not saying I understand everything but I understand more than I used to. Though the notebook comes in handy with that issue." Alexis says.
"But seriously I agree with Jackie. You look good today. Look like you're in a happy mood." Keun Sup says as Alexis blushes slightly.
"Are you two always gonna compliment me or tease me whenever we are around each other?" Alexis asks annoyedly.
"Hey until we are back to hanging out in person not just over text whatever we can't do over text you can expect it from us in person. Besides we always enjoy making you smile even if it's an annoyed smile at us saying something or acting goofy to see you smile. Besides you know I tease the people I like anyway. Just how I am." Keun Sup says.
"And I may not be as sociable as Keun Sup but he's right. We always enjoyed seeing you smile ever since we met you. Wasn't a fake one like most. So we've missed it. So we don't mind joking around a little more to see that with you." Jackie says as he writes on his notebook and hands it to Alexis.
"Okay point taken. Just don't over go my boundaries with it." Alexis says as she chuckles slightly.
"We can do that." Keun Sup says as Jackie nods as Alexis smiles playfully at the two.
"Check this out y'all. I got everything we need for the hike and more. I packed a couple of medical supplies in case of emergencies some granola bars and Choco rolls in case we get hungry and of course a bunch of markers to map the hike. If you... If you still want me to of course." Craig says as he shows the stuff he packed.
"Uh sure knock yourself out. We know the way already though." Keun Sup says.
"You do?" Alexis asks curiously.
"Yeah. We used to sneak away and do this hike while Xavier was king and we were his champions." Aggie says.
"I can't believe he used to think we all had dentist's appointments at the same time." Keun Sup says as Jackie and Aggie smile.
"Yeah but now that Xavier's gone we don't have to keep it a secret no-mo!" Aggie says happily.
"Cool! W-Well I guess we should be on our... Maya what are you doing here!?" Craig shouts in alarm as he turns around only see Maya standing behind him causing him to fall back onto the ground.
"Dude you really gotta stop doing that when we run into each other. Even Wolfy there acts more calm than you." Maya says.
"Mostly because I'm used to you now. Yeah still not entirely used to you being an ally not an enemy now but still." Alexis says.
"Do what?" Craig asks.
"You shouting why I'm here." Maya says as Alexis helps Craig up using vines.
"What? That never happens." Craig says.
"That one literally just happened." Maya says annoyedly.
"I dunno what you're talking about. Besides what are you doing here? This hike is invite only." Craig says.
"Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to accept our invitation... The great and Almighty Maya." Keun Sup says as he bows to Maya while smiling.
"Maya you ding dong! You're not gonna rat us out to Xavier are you?" Aggie asks.
"Pfft those days are over. I've got a lot of free time now." Maya says as she and the Champions begin walking.
"C'mon Craig, Alexis. We're losing daylight." Maya says.
"Yeah! Let's get a move on!" Keun Sup says.
"Right behind you." Alexis says as she goes over to the group.
"Uh I'm coming! Wait up!" Craig shouts as he runs after the group.
*Timeskip*
"So what's this waterfall like?" Craig asks as the group is walking through the woods.
"You just gotta see it for yourself. Once we get there it's gonna blow your mind." Keun Sup says.
"If you think that'll blow his mind wait until he sees the jump that I'm gonna do when we get there!" Aggie shouts excitedly.
"W-Wait. Jump?" Craig asks.
"What do you mean jump?" Alexis asks.
"Yeah! That's how we're gonna end the hike! We're gonna jump into the lake below to prove our worthiness as champions. And also we're usually super sweaty by that point and could use the rinse. I told you that earlier didn't I?" Keun Sup asks.
"Uh no. You apparently left that-" Alexis then gets cut off by Craig as he covers her mouth with his hand.
"Oh r-right, right. We remember! Yeah I wanna jump. You know Craiggy be jumpin'!" Craig says as he jumps much to the others looking at him curiously.
"Um... Okay." Keun Sup says before Alexis gently pushes Craig's hand off her mouth and looks at him annoyedly.
"Why'd you do that Craig? You're embarrassing yourself!" Craig says quietly to himself as Alexis looks at him curiously before going up to Jackie and Keun Sup.
"Well it either way it sounds really amazing." Alexis says as she does sign language while walking beside Jackie before he writes something on his book and hands it to her.
"Oh it is. You'll love it. Or at least Keun Sup and I hope you do. We've been really excited to show it to you." Jackie says through his writing.
"I'm sure it'll be well worth it." Alexis says as she smiles at Jackie while doing sign language.
"We actually wanted to show it to you back when you were still hanging around us in Xavier's territory. But our last hang out going sour like it did kinda made that plan go south." Keun Sup says as he chuckles nervously.
"Well while I'm still fairly miffed at you two I will say that you guys have made some progress with me since that day." Alexis says.
"Really?" Keun Sup asks as Jackie asks the same on his notebook while giving a surprised look.
"Let's just say I'm not as snappish at you two as I was. I would like to preferably forget the whole incident even though I know that is gonna take time. But I'm still keeping my eyes on you because the mixed feelings you've left me with since then." Alexis says as she looks at Jackie and Keun Sup.
"Fair enough. But it's something at least. We're just happy you're getting around us again. Tells us we're doing something right." Keun Sup says as Jackie nods while smiling.
"Yeah. Well-" Alexis then gets cut off by Aggie.
"Hey guys. We made it to the speed hill zone! Hey. You wanna... Race?" Aggie asks as Keun Sup runs up a hill.
"Last one to the top is a slug butt!" Keun Sup shouts as he does sign language.
"Oh you're on!" Craig shouts before Aggie jumps up into the air while Jackie lassies a tree with a rope and rock before offering his hand to Alexis as she blushes.
"Not that I don't trust you but I can climb it. Perfect place to exercise my legs." Alexis says as she does sign language before shifting to wolf form and beginning to jump and climb up the hill.
"Whoa! Haha! Yeah!" Keun Sup shouts as Jackie makes it up the hill.
"Made it!" Aggie shouts as she makes it to the top before Alexis jumps up the hill by grabbing onto the edge with her claws.
"Nice one Alexis." Keun Sup says as Alexis tries to pull herself up before Jackie and Keun Sup grab her front paws and help her up.
"Thanks. It is appreciated but you don't have to help me though. I can take care of myself." Alexis says as she smiles and does sign language.
"We know. Don't worry. We're just being nice. Like we said we enjoy being nice. Especially if it means we see you smile as a result." Keun Sup says happily.
"Yeah I can tell. Well thanks for the gesture. Just don't over do it with that. I don't mind the help but try to keep it at a respectable level." Alexis says.
"Not a problem for a pretty girl." Jackie says as he writes on his notebook.
"You guys are determined to get me to smile as much as possible aren't you?" Alexis asks annoyedly.
"Yep." Keun Sup says as he and Jackie smile.
"You two are something else I swear." Alexis says as she shifts to human form.
"Heh. Only when you're around." Keun Sup says as he smiles.
"Okay. Don't push your luck." Alexis says as she playfully gives an annoyed smile to Keun Sup and Jackie as they chuckle.
"Smell ya later!" Maya shouts as she climbs up the hill before making it to the top.
"Should've brought a rope. Uh thanks." Craig says as he climbs up the hill with assistance from Jackie helping him up.
"Nice of ya to finally join us slug butt." Aggie says as she laughs.
"Well I ain't super-powered like you guys. Or do I got the ability to turn into a wolf like Alexis." Craig says embarrassedly.
"Well you're in luck Craig. Because this huge enormous tree is where we got our powers." Aggie says as she hits a tree causing pine cones to drop.
"Really?" Craig and Alexis ask as Craig picks up a pine cone.
"It's a dum-dum fruit. We each ate one of these and were gifted with our super speed, aim and strength." Aggie says as Keun Sup and Jackie smile as Alexis realizes they're joking and shakes her head at Craig not catching on to the joke
"Should I eat this?" Craig asks as he prepares to bite the pine cone before Aggie smacks it from his hands.
"No! Dude I was joking! Don't eat that. It's a pine cone man!" Aggie shouts.
"Yeah. I can't believe you believed a pine cone would give you super powers." Keun Sup says as he chuckles.
"Uh you tried to eat one too when I told you the story." Aggie says as she looks at Keun Sup.
"No I did eat one. And it was not good." Keun Sup says annoyedly.
"Yeah. You had pine butt for a week!" Aggie says as she and Jackie laugh before Alexis covers her mouth with her hand trying to hide a laugh she's stiflingly back causing Keun Sup and Jackie to blush.
"It's not funny! I got sap all over my underwear!" Keun Sup shouts annoyedly.
*Timeskip*
"Hey Craig! Catch up already!" Keun Sup shouts as the group stops.
"Sorry! I was finishing up drawing the pine cone tree on the map. Uh check it out!" Craig says as he holds up his map.
"I'll look at it later. Check this out instead!" Keun Sup says as the group looks at the view from where they are.
"Whoa. Who knew your side of the Creek was so beautiful!" Craig says happily.
"Yeah. It's truly a sight to see." Alexis says as she smiles before noticing Jackie and Keun Sup smiling at her and looks away blushing.
"We did. We knew. It rocks!" Aggie says as the group then heard grumbling and look at Jackie.
"Sorry. I'm kinda hungry." Jackie says through sign language.
"Yeah. I'm kind of hungry too." Keun Sup says.
"Oh-oh-oh! I've got some snacks here! Lots of snacks!" Craig says before Aggie, Keun Sup and Jackie quickly sit down.
"I guess we could slow down the pace for ya." Aggie says.
"Pssh. Don't act like you're not hungry too Aggie." Maya says.
"Ha you're right. You're a life saver Craig!" Aggie says as Craig passes out some snacks.
"Thanks Craig." Alexis says happily.
"Man. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!" Aggie says.
"Well I'm so hungry I could eat an elephant! Man a whale? Get out of here with that." Keun Sup says as Jackie does sign language.
"I don't know. That would be pretty impressive. Though I agree. I'm starving enough to eat an entire moose." Alexis says as she smiles at Jackie and Keun Sup while doing sign language causing them to blush.
"You all think way too small. I'm so hungry I could eat all those animals. Just stack 'em up in a sandwich. Top 'em with some mustard... Mwah!" Maya says.
"I'm so hungry I could eat all of you guys. There'd be nothing left except your bones!" Craig says as everyone looks at him with surprise.
"Oh um... that's interesting to know Craig." Alexis says as she gives a slightly concerned look to Craig.
"He uh said he wants to eat us." Keun Sup says as he does sign language for Jackie.
"Dude this kid will eat anything." Aggie says as the group laughs.
*Timeskip*
"C'mon ya' slug butts! We're here!" Keun Sup says as the group arrives at the Waterfall.
"Whoa!" Craig and Alexis say in union.
"Well this is it. The moment of truth. Time for the jump to prove to ourselves and the world we truly are the champions! So who wants to go first?" Keun Sup asks.
"Uh I-I thought you were going first?" Aggie asks.
"Figured you'd wanna go first since you made it sound like it was gonna be a blast to do the jump." Alexis says.
"Oh well you know. I-I gotta stretch and mentally prepare myself! It's... It's been a while." Aggie says.
"Right, right. Might as well just double check for rocks below... Yep. No rocks. And we know the water is deep enough to jump into. Uh Craig! Craig do you want to do the honors?" Keun Sup asks.
"Uh... Thanks but I-I'm not the daredevil you guys are. I think I'm gonna sit this one out." Craig says as he smiles nervously.
"Same here. You guys are wild for this one. I don't want my hair to get wet so I'm gonna kick it back here with Craig." Maya says as Alexis notices Jackie taking off his shirt and blushes before seeing Keun Sup smirking at her causing her to look away quickly.
"Yeah. You know I-I left my swimming outfit in my bike so I-I'll just stay here with you Craig. Take in the view." Aggie says nervously.
"Yeah. Normally I don't like sitting still but that sounds good to me." Keun Sup says.
"And besides someone has to be ready to call the ambulance right?" Craig asks as he smiles.
"Wha... Why would you say that?" Keun Sup asks.
"Uh y'know. I was just uh... 'Cause you guys are slug butts." Craig says as Keun Sup chuckles.
"Well-played!" Keun Sup says as Jackie runs past him, Alexis, Craig and Aggie.
"Jackie!" Aggie shouts as Jackie jumps off the ledge and into the water causing Alexis and Keun Sup to immediately run over to the ledge to look for him.
"Where is he?" Alexis asks worriedly.
"I don't know. I don't see him." Keun Sup says.
"There!" Alexis says before Jackie surfaces in the water below.
"Oh he made it." Keun Sup says in relief before Alexis smiles and shifts to wolf form.
"That does look pretty fun." Alexis says as she takes some steps back and takes a run toward the ledge.
"Alexis!" Keun Sup shouts before Alexis jumps into the water below and begins playing and splashing around in the water with Jackie before the two join the others on the land.
"Hey! Let's get a pic!" Aggie shouts as the group begins taking pictures together.
"Hey Wolf Girl how about a pic with two of us? You know for old times sake." Keun Sup says as he and Jackie smile while holding the camera.
"Oh uh wish I could but uh Omar just messaged me. Said mom wants us home early today because something came up last minute. I gotta get headed out." Alexis says as she looks away from Keun Sup and Jackie before looking at her phone nervously.
"So soon? You sure you can't stay for a bit longer?" Aggie asks as she looks at Alexis.
"Yeah. Sorry. Family calls. I'll see you guys around. And thanks for inviting me. It was nice." Alexis says as she shifts to wolf form and runs off.