The ghost - part 9

The standard disclaimer - Slam Dunk belongs to Takehiko Inoue and etc.
Warning: HanaRu story.

Part 9 - "Applying for help"

"What?!"

"Yes," Botan told Hanamichi. "How to explain it...? Well, look, there is a link between every body and soul. When a people dies, it breaks. On the other hand, you are not yet dead, but since your spirit has left your body, you receive energy for movement via the link. This results in your vital power beginning to peter out... Therefore, you're dying."

Hanamichi, frowning, looked at the ground.

"So you come to take my soul away?"
"No," the blue-haired girl replied. Hanamichi sighed with relief and she continued."The fact is that it is not time for you to die. There is a way to save you."

Hanamichi looked up impatiently. "Which~? Which way?"

Botan stole a glance at Rukawa, who was listening to their conversation. "Yes, there is a way to save you. Someone with strong ki could share it with you."

Instantly, Hanamichi frose deep in thought. But then an idea flashed through his mind. He turned to Rukawa.

"Hey, kitsune! As she said, you've got strong ki, so you must help me!"

Rukawa just looked silently at the red-haired boy, expecting arguments about why he 'must' do it. In his opinion, he owed nothing to anyone. Botan looked silently from one boy to the other, not interrupting their unilateral conversation.The red-haired 'tensai' tried to press on Rukawa's sense of duty, trying a call to principle, 'to aid for a neighbour'; he even tried to blackmail Rukawa. That is to say that Hanamichi tried to ask for help in the most ridiculous way. The fox-eyed boy still looked silently at the arrogant ghost.

Botan consulted her watch.

"Umm... Sakuragi-san," she interrupted the beginning of Hanamichi's next argument. "Hurry up. You have only about 5 minutes. After that you really will die."

Hanamichi paled. His bravado instantly disappeared. The panic was easy to read on his face. Somehow, he looked lost and vulnerable.

"Please, Rukawa help me," he said in an almost-whisper. "I don't want to die so young..."

Rukawa looked at his unhappy expression and sighed. "Okay," he said. "But you owe me for this. Let's get moving."

Hanamichi's face was illuminated with a bright, grateful smile. "Thanks, kitsune!"

Looking at them from her oar, the girl smiled happily. "Come on guys!" She patted the section of the oar behind her. "Quick, sit down! We have very little time." Having noticed distrustful looks that both players shot at her oar, Botan added. "Make haste or else we will be late!"

The boys nodded and hurried to the spiritual guide - the girl with an oar.

End of part 9.