Transition and Restart, book two: The Billion Dollar Empress

Chapter two, 2016, southbound, part four

Ryu turned and gave Fumiko-chan a helping hand. She hadn't brought a proper day-pack and staggered as they climbed uphill.

Ahead and behind of them a long line of club members slowly ascended the mountain path to the camping site.

A brisk breeze from the ocean climbed up the mountainside and made the day bearable, but it was still uncomfortably hot.

He wiped sweat from his face, allowed Fumiko-chan to pass him and reached out with his hand to help Nori-kun navigate the difficult climb. After that Ryu continued himself. The motor mouth would stay and help Sakura-chan.

A little further up Ruy saw Hiroyuki-kun help Noriko climb over a log that had fallen across the path. Good man, I'll switch with you when I get there, Ryu thought and forced his burning legs upwards.

He was astonished so few of the members complained about the murderous climb, but it seemed like Urufu's walking talking sessions earlier that summer had given them stamina as well as the ability to start thinking outside the box.

We've become a real club. Urufu, you did it! They're helping each other without asking. For a moment elation rose in him, but then thinking of Urufu soured Ryu's good mood. What happened back then? You still haven't told.

He passed in and out of shade as he made his way upwards between tree trunks flanking the path. The thinner of them offered his legs a little respite whenever he pulled himself up with his hands.

Halfway to the log he caught up with Fumiko-chan who was panting heavily and staggered with her arms hanging by her side. She looked like she could use some extra motivation. He tapped her shoulder and prepared a smile. "Fumiko-chan, Aika-chan is ahead of us. Climb to her and have something for me to drink when you get to the summit, will you?"

The girl stopped in her tracks, turned and blushed. "Would you share it with us, Ryu-kun?"

That's gutsy of her. "Of course, how could I live without the company of two beautiful girls?" Ryu said and flashed her a grin. She averted her eyes, but he could see the smile playing over her lips. Prince of Himekaizen, and of this club. That's my job. "I'll join you after I've helped everyone." Well, they're both pleasant enough. I could do with worse company.

He watched her scamper away to where Hiroyuki-kun still stood ready to help people climb over the log.

I've thought of us six as the core, but we're not really the core of the club any longer. He gave Hiroyuki-kun a tired smile and waved him onwards. Half the members take action by themselves now. Urufu, you really changed us. Ryu shook his head and took the position Hiroyuki-kun had held just moments before. Looking back he could see Nori-kun arriving hand in hand with Sakura-chan. The motor mouth would help the girl he so obviously was crushing on without Ryu's help, so Ryu just waved him on after Sakura-chan was safely over the log.

Wonder who's next? So tired I didn't even check who replaced Nori-kun down by the rocks. Ryu wiped more sweat and grime from his face with his arm.

Kyoko arrived helped by Yukio. Another pair that wouldn't need his help.

"Who's down there helping people up?" Ryu asked.

Yukio looked up and grinned. "Kuri. She's almost as strong as us boys. Urufu's down there taking a rest as well."

Taking a rest? From what I've seen he should be able to run up the trek. Ryu blinked. He'll piss the third years off when it's time for the marathon later this autumn, cause I don't see anyone in Himekaizen matching his stamina. "Sure about that?"