Demise Game

6. the Elevator Game

"Absolutely no way in hell."

        A part of you had been expecting the refusal of your clubmates to help Natsume, but you were still somewhat frustrated when everybody else refused, not wanting any part in Natsume's task.  You didn't want any part of it, either, but you were still helping because it was the right thing to do.

        "Seriously?"  You couldn't hide the growing agitation you felt, and Hanami flinched under your harsh gaze, unused to an expression coming from yourself.  "You're just planning on letting Natsume get herself killed?"

        While you two had ran a bit late to school, Natsume had forced you to go if only so you could meet up with the club and share the plan.  As usual, you slept through your classes to make up for waking up early.  Granted, it would have felt nicer to sleep in your own bed rather than at a desk, but at least you got some shuteye in.

        Natsume flinched at your harsh words, but you were too in it now to really care.  How could they be so selfish?!  You all were in the same mess; it only made sense for you all to try and help each other.  That may be the only way to actually survive these stupid tasks and outsmart Kokkuri-san.

        Jinsei shook his head.  "You remember what Kokkuri-san said.  If we interfere, we'll die, too.  Besides, what if she's the Fox, and trying to lure us into a trap?"  He was wringing his hands as he spoke, shrinking underneath your harsh glare.

        You thought back to Natsume.  How she seemed so frail and scared, how she had called you in tears this morning, and had nearly hyperventilated herself into a panic attack.  To the girl that was usually so diligent in helping out the club members, and scolding you for slacking off, yet always willing to offer advice when asked.

        And they wanted to think she was the Fox?  You were more likely to be the Fox than she.

        "We're not outsiders," you instead said, trying to keep your voice level despite the growing frustration.  "We all summoned Kokkuri-san.  I think it's safe to say that we're exempt from that rule."

        Besides, you would have been dead yourself now if that were the case, right?

        Hanami shook her head vehemently, taking a step back.  "I just...  I'm sorry.  I really think you can do this, Natsume!  But I'm just...  I'm too scared.  I can't do it!"

        Another deep breath in an attempt to keep yourself calm.  Instead of responding to Hanami's pleas, you fixed your gaze onto Isora.  Unlike Hanami and Jinsei, he met your gaze head on, dark blue eyes stormy.

        "Isora.  Are you really going to just sit back and do nothing?"

        He sighed, running a hand through gelled burgundy hair.  "Say I do come along.  None of us can tell what Natsume is supposed to look for.  How can we help?  We'll just get in the way.  This task was clearly meant for only her."

        You threw your hands up in the air.  "You all are absolutely terrible.  Fine."  Your voice was venomous.  "Stay back and just do more research or something.  Natsume and I will do this ourselves."

        You didn't wait to see if Natsume would follow as you stormed out of the clubroom, a dark cloud fogging your mind.  How could they just so callously stand off to the side?!  You understood they were scared — you were, too.  Genuinely and truly, you were terrified.  Even now, your heartbeat was frantic, sporadic, as if the organ was ready to jump right out of your chest.  You wanted nothing more than to curl up in your room and hide under the covers...

        But that wouldn't change a single thing.  The game had already started, and you knew there was no escaping it.  Now, all you had to do was try.