First of, I'm completely sorry I'm it's been more than year and half since I updated a chapter. All I can say is my inspiration was really low. But I never forgot about this story. So here I am trying continue where I left off. Also this I just wrote this up and then check for mistakes. I kept you all waiting enough. So again sorry and here it is. The new chapter!

Bus Ride, Hike and Singing Chapter 11

We finally got on the bus and we left the school. I see the faces of my friends and you can tell they're already having fun on this trip, even though we just left the school five minutes. But not just my friends but the whole bus. The whole bus is filled with freshmen, all laughing and full of joy. I have to admit I'm kinda jealous of them. Before we got board the bus, Naminé wanted to take a picture of my friends and I. After the picture was taken, she told me that she only got a picture of the twins and one friend of theirs. That friend being… Riku. All honesty I thought that only my brothers were going on the trip. The thought of Riku and rest of them going on a camping trip seem far fetch. I mean, they are supposed to be the coolest people in school. Wouldn't they think a camping trip is stupid? Then again a whole week without school, that's something they will like. I guess. I just wanted a peaceful trip but on that I know that I'll be bullied the time while camping makes me depressed. Not to mention the inner turmoil I get everytime I see or think of Riku.

"Hey Sora, want some chips," asked Pence. I looked over at him and he was holding a bag of spicy chips. I took a chip and ate it. I then looked at Pence and he was still staring at me.

"What is it Pence," I asked him. His looking at me with understanding.

"I over heard what your sister said while we were boarding the bus, about how Riku is on this trip. Its safe to assume that if Riku is on the junior bus then so Seifer and the rest of them on it too," said Pence. I did thought the same thing, "We just need to hope that our cabin is far away from theirs and stay away from them the rest of the time. That way you don't have to suffer. It's the only way I can think of to have a somewhat good time." It made me smile that Pence was concern for me.

"Hey what are you two talking about over there," asked Hayner. He and Olette are sitting across the aisle and a row to the front. I don't believe that those two know that Riku and his friends are on the trip. Olette stand up a little and looked over us. I notice Pence suddenly got tense when she did.

"Oh… uh not-nothing. Just talking about this spicy chips haha," said Pence in a strange tone. It reminds me of how I am with Riku. He is also blushing a little. 'Could it be…? Does he have…?' "Right Sora," Pence asked me. I just nodded my head. Both Hayner and Olette look skeptical but they let it go and turned around. Pence let go of the breath he was holding.

"Pence can I ask you something," I asked him. He looks at me and nodded his head. "I know that what about to ask you is none of my business so you don't have to answer me. But do you have feelings for Olette." Right as soon as those words left my mouth. He turn stiff and red. He's even shaking a little. Pence keeps opening his mouth and closing it. I was starting to feel bad for asking him that question. "Like I said Pence you don't have ask me. You know what, just forget I asked and I'll forget all of my suspicions about the issue okay?" I really should have minded my own business. Pence then stop shaking and looked back to normal.

"I do," said Pence while looking down at the floor. I was right but when did he start? "Since she said her first words to me, I had a crush on her. I remember what she said to me." Pence then blushed again and smiled too. "I know you have a big heart. So let's be friends," said Pence repeating what Olette said all those years ago. I think I sort of remember that. But really that does seem like something Olette would say. So I have no doubts that she said. "After that I was always happy to see her and talk to her. Every morning I woke and thought I can't wait to see her. My thoughts were soon fill with her," said Pence. What he said reminds me of the position that I'm in. The position of being in love with someone doesn't know your feelings. However in his case, he isn't completely out of hope. Olette might expect his feelings and they might date? They could be happy with each other.

"Have you ever thought of confessing to her," I asked him. He was shocked at first but then he come down. He kept silent for a bit and then shaked his head. "I see… but Pence let me just say, you might have a chance. I know that there is a consequence if you tell her. It could ruin your friendship. Not saying you should confess your feelings but I'm not saying you shouldn't either. This up to you to decide, I would like to see you happy with her. You two are my friends and if you can make each other happy then great. I'll support you both." He looked up at me and smiled. "I'll hate to see you end up like me. Hopeless and in pain for someone you have no chance to be happy with," I told him.

"Sora…," Pence said with in a sorry tone. "I wish I can help you with your issue."

"But you have helped me Pence. All three of you have given me support and I'm thankful for that," I said. Pence looked at me and gave me another smile. We kept talking for while and just having a good time. At some point Miss Vanille got up from her seat and started to speak.

"Listen students, there's a restroom pit stop up ahead. We'll stop there for twenty minutes," said Miss Vanille.

"They have vending machines at pit stops. So we can pick up some snacks," said Pence. I agreed and Hayner just looked at him.

"Pence don't think you have to keep up with my diet plan," said Hayner. Pence than awkwardly laughed. He must have forgot that he agreed to do the diet regimen. "Did you really forgot about it. Okay but I don't want to hear complain about being overweight again."

"…..Alright, I promise…..," said Pence to Hayner. But he seem conflicted about it. He must have wanted to lose weight to impress Olette. I wonder if she would have been impressed but I don't think so. She did say that he looks good just the way he is. Would Olette date Pence like he is now. I hope she would if he ever confess to her. We kept quiet until we arrive at pit stop. We got up from our seats and step out of the bus.

"Finally! Staying on that bus makes me feel like my bones getting stiff," said Hayner.

"It's good to stand up and stretch," I said. We walk towards a more open space away from the crowd gathered in front of the restroom. "So many people wanted to use the restroom it seem."

"Yeah cause they know that there won't be any stop from this point on. Since the rest of the trip would on a long bridge that connects this side to the camp island," said Olette. On Destiny Island you can't really go anywhere without crossing a bridge. I can't even remember how many of them there are. As we continued talk about anything that our conversation leads us, while waiting for the line of the restroom to shorten. I looked over to see if we can finally go. But my eyes looked at a sliver hair individual. Every time I see Riku, I get the feelings of both happy and scared at the same time.

'Riku…, I wish it was different between us,' I said in my head. Until he started to look up, I kept staring at Riku from afar. Luckily Riku didn't caught me. My friends didn't notice I was looking over at Riku. They were talking about a funny tv show they saw and I was started to laugh when Hayner was retelling a joke from the show. Before I knew it, we were next in line to use the restroom. Olette went to the girl's' room while the rest of us went to boys' room. Inside all the stalls were all taken, so I waited for one to be free. When one did become available I went in and did what I needed.

"Sora! Pence and I are done we'll wait for you by the vending machines," said Hayner as he and Pence step out. I finish my business and started to wash my hands. The sound of restroom door opens. I looked up at the mirror and saw a group of boys come in. For a second I didn't pay a mind to the boys until I realized that the group was Riku and his group. Each one them, with the exception of Riku, Roxas and Ventus, have a smirking face. They started to walk towards me and right away I was filled with fear. Before they got too close, I looked over at the door. There was an opening between my brothers and the exit. I know that my brothers won't hurt me, so at least that isn't a concern. Since most of them play sports, they're probably all faster than me. But I think it's better if I at least try. In a second I ran towards the exit with all I might and fear. All I was think at this moment was just to get out of this. The moment I managed to get my hand on the door handed, I thought that I was saved. However, that feeling was short lived. A shear terror feeling was replaces the moment I felt a big hand grip on my upper hand. I don't know how, with all my fear, I was able to look behind me to see who it was that grabbed me. I was already feeling fear but when I saw it was Riku who had his hold on me. I immediately felt my heart skip a beat and my face turn red. His face was free from any emotion as far as I see. For a few seconds, which felt longer, Riku and I just stood there. Stare at each other like no one else was there. It wasn't until Seifer spoke; we were kick out of our trance.

"Where do you think your going," asked Seifer with a smirk on his face. The realization hit me that I was in danger in here. "What should we do with him guys?" Soon Seifer, Rai and Demyx are each saying a suggestion on what they think they should do to me. I had no doubt in my mind that I was more scared now than ever I have. I then felt Riku's grip on my arm loosen. I looked up at Riku and notice he still had his emotionless face. However I noticed his eyes were saying something. I couldn't read right away and I didn't have a chance to try to reading them. But at that moment, the buses started to honk. Signaling that it was time for students to get on aboard. I heard a couple of tsk from behind Riku. I looked up that Riku again, he had his head down. In a blink of an eye, Riku pushed me hard towards the wall and hit my head as well.

"Let's go," said Riku. The rest of his friends had a look of disappointment on their faces and followed him out. Roxas and Ventus stayed behind and they helped up. I wanted say 'thank you' but I just couldn't. A second later they walked out. I stayed a bit longer just to make sure that my bullies were a distance away. After half a minute, I walked out the restroom. The moment I was outside, I was face to face with my friends.

"SORA! Are you okay!? We saw Seifer and the rest of his friends coming out of the restroom," said Olette. Not just her but, both Hayner and Pence have a worried face on.

"I'm find. I was saved but the bus honk. Speaking of which, we should get going now," I said. They were all relieved to hear I was okay and we all headed to the bus. Once we got on and sat down, the driver started the bus drove away. I was telling my friends about what happened in the restroom. Once done Hayner and Pence both apologize to me for leaving me alone. I said it was alright but they still felt guilty. I then change the subject and soon the mood change as well. A little bit later, we reached the long extended bridge. The only thing surrounding the bridge is open sea. Nothing but sea to your left and right. I'm no stranger to the sea, since I live in a town where is made of little islands. I've seen the sea before, but being surrounded by sea like this feels different. It's relaxing and beautiful at the same time. I was just in a trance until Miss Vanille spoke up.

"Okay guys, if you look up a head, you can see the island where we'll all be stay at for the week," she said. I turn away from the sea to the island. This island is not biggest island in Destiny Island but not the smallest either. I've never been here, but I always did. "Once we're there, you'll form a single line and get your belongings. Once you have them, you can start hiking up to the camp site. There is a single hiking trail. The trail itself isn't difficult or dangerous. So us chaperones slash teachers don't think it's necessary for us to guide you through it." Miss Vanille looked at everyone to see if they understood the plan. "Good, now will be there in less then ten minutes." Everyone went back to what they were doing before Miss Vanille spoke. My friends and I were just talking about how much fun will have. It feels like the incident at the pit stop was a far away memory. Just as Miss Vanille said we arrived on the island right away. Once the bus stop, almost right away we got off the bus. We did what we were told and got our things.

"This is the best you guys," said Hayner with excitement. I understood why he was like that. I couldn't stop smiling.

"Your right Hayner. This is great, I've never been here before. I wonder if they will allow us to explore here," I asked. Right out of nowhere, a deep voice spoke right behind me.

"I'm afraid that you can't explore the whole island," said the voice. We turn around to see a tall man, with brown hair that is styled into rather messy, vertical spikes and bangs that frame his face. "You'll be able to do so around the campsite for today. Maybe tomorrow you can but not today." This man had a certain air about him, something thing that reminds me of Riku. It was Olette to speak to him.

"Is that so, why is that," she asked.

"It's cause the teachers will be all round the camp and won't allow it. Trust me I've tried in the past," said the stranger.

"Oh so you've been on this trip before," asked Olette. "But I don't believe I've seen you around the school uh…?"

"Names Terra and yeah I've been here before. I was a student at your school six years ago. I'm a teacher now," said the guy named Terra. "I was asked to be a chaperone this year." The name Terra sounded familiar to me for some reason. I just couldn't place it. As I was trying to remember him. Terra looked at me. "Have we meet somewhere before kid?"

"I don't think so," I said. Terra was still looking at me trying to figure out if we have meet somewhere before.

"Hmm… I swear you look like I've meet you or at least maybe someone who looks like you," said Terra. "Oh well, might be just my imagination. So anyway yeah, you'll be in trouble if you the teacher catches you. So it well be better if you wait until tomorrow or during the races. Well see you guys around." Then Terra walk towards the hiking trail and towards the camp.

"Okay then, come on guys. I wanted to get there already," said Hayner impatiently.

"Relax Hayner, it takes like half an hour to get there. It's also still morning so we have plenty of time," said Pence. But Hayner didn't heard him kept heading towards the trail. The three us just grab our things and followed him. Hiking up the trail wasn't difficult at, like Miss Vanille said. We've been hiking for twenty minutes when Pence spoke. "Hey guys, are there any wild animals on this island?"

"Well actually Pence-," I was about to answer him when I was push from behind me. Pence was able to catch me before I hit the ground. All four of turn back to see who it was, but I was more then sure know who it was that pushed me. It was Seifer with his usual smirking face.

"Well Pence, you got your answer," said Hayner while up to Seifer. "There are wild animals here." You can see Seifer's vein popping after Hayners comment.

"You care to say that again, you little shit," replied Seifer with a murderous tone in his voice. The rest of his friend are little behind him too. Everyone of them looked like their ready to fight, except my brothers and Riku. "I don't think I heard you right."

"Oh sorry, I say it louder. I said you're a animal. You know those things that are brainless creatures who take a crap anywhere they want," said Hayner in an insult voice. After Hayner was done talking, Seifer eyes got ever scarier than ever. He grab Hayner's collar and Hayner grab his wrist. Things were escalating really quickly. I really didn't know what going to happen. I should tried to help my friend. I stood up and tried to get Seifer to let go of Hayner. But that seem to be a big mistake. As I tried to get them apart, someone grab my arm with great strength. They then pull my arm behind my back. It was really painful and I could barely take the pain. I looked to my side and saw Riku with his cold face. A face I know all too well.

"Seem you want to get into a fight," said Riku. "If that's the case I'll give it to you, you fuck." Riku pulled his fist back and ready to punch me.

"Let him go Star, you bitch," said Axel who I didn't notice when he got here. "The one who wants to fight it's you. So I'll give it to you."

"Axel…," I said in awe when he came to help us. He really meant it when he said that we're friends. Right then Riku pulled my arm even more harder. It was even more painful. "ARGH… stop please… it hurts!"

"Annoying," said Riku in low voice that only I could've have heard.

"I SAID LET HIM GO BITCH," yelled Axel towards Riku. They both stared at each other with cold angry look. They're staring contest was interrupt by Saix by of all people.

"Enough to two. A teacher is coming soon and if he see this scene. It will be trouble for all of us here. So stop your bitch fight and let's get a move on," said Saix with a astonishing authority tone. Both Riku and Axel looked at each other. You can tell neither one of them want to just give up and walk away. But they both knew it well be bad if the teacher saw all of this. Riku let go of me roughly and told his friends to leave with him. Seifer and Hayner released each other but without giving each other a hateful look. "Well that stop an unnecessary fight."

"So that was a lie then," asked Axel.

"Not entirely," said Saix. "There is one coming but he'll take him at least another 15 minutes to get here." Axel just grunted and looked at me.

"How badly hurt are you Sora," asked Axel. I looked at my arm and saw a bruise starting to form. But beside that and a bit sore, nothing too bad.

"I'll be ok," I said. "Thanks for your help again Axel. You're a good friend." Axel give me a small smile and then looked at Hayner. "You know I like how you ain't scaredy freshmen, you got guts kid."

"The names Hayner and yeah I know I'm awesome," said Hayner with great cockiness in his voice. He always likes it when people compliment him. He gets this really smirking face and it's kinda funny. Right then Olette, Pence and I started to laugh.

"Yeah you should see him with heights. He's even braver," Olette said in a sarcastic tone. We just start to laugh even harder. Hayner turns red and tells Olette to take it back. Which justs makes it funnier. In the middle of the laughter, the sound of something moving in the bushes was heard. We stop laughing and all turn to the bush. Axel and Hayner walked up to it, to see what it was. When they moved it a little. A tiny yellow baby bird came out of the bush. The little bird was flapping its little wings and was able to stay in the air for a bit. "Oh! How cute is that thing."

"What is that thing," asked Axel.

"It's a chocobo chick," said Saix and I said it in unison.

"Oh so there chocobos here on this island," said Pence. "I've seens them at zoos but never in the wild."

"Yup chocobos and also wild moogles live here on this island," I told them. Right then two adult chocobos came into view up head of the trail. The baby chick then flew towards them. "Oh wow. A male and female chocobo."

"How do you know which one is which," asked Hayner.

"The ones with long ear-like appendages dangling on either side of its head. That one is the male one, all male chocobos look like them," I explain to him. The chocobos turn to us then just walked away. "Chocobos are so cool and really gentle creatures."

"So chocobos are your favorite then," asked Axel. I nodded my head to him while still looking at the chocobos leaving. Once they were out of view, Saix suggested we should head to the campsite. We restarted hiking up the trail. After hiking for ten minutes we finally reach the camp. It was pretty big camp. There was a big cabin in the middle with a sign that reads 'dining hall' and another big cabin next to it.A little way from it their was building that saids shower and restroom. Far from the left there were eight sleeping cabins and another four cabins in the opposite direction. "Those eight cabins are for seniors and juniors. To the right are for sophomores and for the freshmen. Those cabins are up a little hill behind the dining hall. In my opinion that's the best cabin because it has a view of the lake. Well anyway, Saix and I well meet up with our friends in the cabin. See ya later Sora and friends," said Axel and walked away. I said goodbye started to walk towards the freshmen cabin.

"Hey Sora, when did you and Axel became good friend," asked Pence.

"Well I guess we were always friendly to each other, but just one day while I was taking out the trash on cleaning duty. He was there and we talk. In fact he was the one to convince me to not transfer and to confide in you guys about my troubles. Also when we see each other in the halls we talk for bit. So I, yeah we did became friends," I told him.

"So did you told him about your crush on a certain jerk," said Hayner.

"N-no he doesn't," I said. "We're not that close Hayner. Also I don't think he'll understand since he really despise Riku so much. Plus I'm trying to move on from him. So I don't think it's necessary to tell him that." We continue heading for the cabin. Once we got around the dining hall, saw the cabins on a small hill. At the best of the hill, Miss Vanille stood talking to the freshmen students.

"Okay kids here is the sleeping arrangements and rules. Two of the cabins well be for the girls and the other two for the boys," said Vanille. "But before any of you think of sneak to each other's cabins. Enough chaperones are here to take turns staying up. So any of you boys who want to go to the girls cabin. Think again. If you foolish enough to try and get caught, you'll get suspended and another punishment. Just to let you know. Also curfew is at nine, thirty. If you want to take a shower, there are always open. After you're done settling in. You can do what you want until lunch at noon and again at seven. Theres activities in dining hall or you want to take nap, you can do that too. Well that's all you need to know. Oh! Wait also, you are only allow move freely around the camp. Don't think about going into the forest." Miss Vanille then walked away. All the other students move to their cabins. Olettle went to her side and rest to our. As we walk around the cabin towards the door. We saw the view that Axel was talking about. Our cabin was pretty far away from the lake but even from here. You can tell how big it is.

Inside the cabin was just one big room with four rows of beds of five. Each bed has a nightstand next to it to pack our things in. Pence, Hayner and I choiced the beds in the corner of the room. After we finished unpack, we left the cabin and waited for Olette at the bottom of the hill. After she arrived, we went to dining hall to see what we can do. There were board games and a pool table were Axel and his friends were playing. We decided play some games while we wait for time to eat. After sometime playing games, random chit chats and a tasty meal. We decided to go outside for some fresh air. We spent the afternoon pretty much just goofing off. Being on a tropical island to camp with friends for a whole week, really was a good ideal to come. I'm somewhat ashamed of that I wanted to transfer to another school. I would have missed a great time. When dinnertime came and left, we stayed in the hall an hour before curfew. Still just chatting away and having a good time. Then we thought to take a shower before bed, well more like Olette told us too. We got what we need and went straight to the showers. For camp shower it wasn't the best but at least the hot water was decent.

"Can you tell me why I'm keeping standing and keeping watch out here again," asked Olette outside the shower cabin.

"Cause since Riku, Seifer and the rest those idiots are here. They might try something while we're in here. So you're watch out for those guys if they're heading in this way" said Hayner.

"Fine, I get it," Olette said.

"You think they'll try something here," asked Pence.

"Of course they will," said Hayner. "They went after Sora on the trail, so no doubt they don't care where. As long as they have their fun." It's sad but it's true what Hayner said. Riku well just about do anything and anywhere, as long as he hurts me. I turn of the water and grab my towel. Drying myself and then changing into a sleepwear. I walked out of the stall. I step outside to wait for Hayner and Pence to finish with Olette. A little bit later they came out and we headed for the cabins. "Well we're lucky that those punks didn't show up. We should keep a look out for them, so they won't ruin our fun this week." After that comment of Hayner my mind was filled of thoughts of Riku. Thoughts that scared me but also thoughts that made me happy. My mind was in a complete and utter mess. I said I'll try and get over my feelings for Riku. Sometimes I feel like I can achieve it but then I just remember that day when he saved me from that fall. That's the only time and only thing nice he ever did to me and it was a total accident. So even I don't understand why, that only one time, I can't get over my feelings for Riku. My mind just keeps going around in circles and circles. Soon I started to breath more rapidly. It was another panic attack and not it's happening somewhere that is the last place I wanted to happen. "Uh… Sora are you okay? You're breathing is really weird." I couldn't answer him. I as started to panic even more. I knew what need to do. I then drop my things and ran in the woods. I knew I was worrying my friends but I have to do it. Running into the woods away from the camp and my friends so they won't hear me. I soon stop running and took a second to inhale and started my cure.

I've got my ticket for long way 'round

Two bottles of whisky for the way

And I sure would like some sweet company

Oh, I'm leaving tomorrow, what do you say?

When I'm gone, when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me by my hair

You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round

The one with the prettiest of views

It's got mountains

It's got rivers

It's got sights to give you shivers

But it sure would be prettier with you

When I'm gone, when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me by my walk

You'll miss me by my walk

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I stopped and so soon relax. My mother's song really is the only thing that can cure my random panic attacks. I turn around and was shocked to see my three friends there just standing and staring at me. All them have a face that reads 'I can't understand.'

"Sora… what happened and your voice? It's incredible," said Olette. I was kinda shock that they heard me. Then again it makes sense that they'll follow me.

"Sorry guys," I apologize.