Chapter 5

Though it might be only their imagination, they all felt that the entire cave shook and vibrated with her booming shout. Everyone slapped their ears with their both hands, cringed as the piercing noise rang deep into their eardrums. Among the group, Ukyo was affected the most. He even staggered and his both knees dropped on the ground, unable to maintain his balance when he felt his surroundings turned completely black for the few moments.

"M-my ears…" Ukyo stammered; tears were already formed at the corners of his eyes as he was struggling to ease his aching ears.

"Ko-Kohaku-chan-" Gen stuttered, bracing himself from the shock. "Please warn us if you will shout. We are in a cave. All the echoes will bounce back, you know…" he remarked but his words weren't heard for the lady was too rapt trying to get the attentions of Tsukasa and Hyoga.

Fortunately, as if they heard Kohaku's voice, the lady noticed that Tsukasa and Hyoga halted their steps then started to shook their head from side to side, trying to find the source of the voice they just heard.

"It seems like they heard my voice!" she reported and looked back to her members who were still recovering from the shock. "But they don't know where we are. If we don't make it quick, they will start walking again." Haste was recognized in her voice.

"K-kohaku…" Senku mumbled. "How far are they?"

Kohaku returned her gaze outside of the cave and back to Senku again. "Approximately 200 meters, I guess? Or probably less." She estimated. Senku then shifted his gaze towards Ukyo.

"Ukyo, how far can you shoot your arrow?"

When he asked this question, Ukyo's eyes widened for a brief moment, perceiving the scientist's idea, and smirked as he shifted his cap. "If it's 200 meters, then I think I can barely shoot my target, Senku-" he replied.

"Ahh~ I see" Gen drawled when he also understood what they meant. "But are you sure, Ukyo-chan? It's raining outside and probably the wind is blowing too. It might disturb the trajectory of your arrow and miss them."

Hearing their conversation, the rest of the members were surprised. "Are we going to shoot Tsukasa and Hyoga? Wouldn't that be dangerous?" Chrome said with concern but was immediately scoffed by Kohaku.

"What are you talking about, Chrome? It's Tsukasa and Hyoga we are talking here. They can easily dodge or catch the arrow."

"But Gen is right, the wind and rain will disturb the trajectory of the arrow. I can't guarantee that I can shoot them straight with my first shot" Ukyo said beforehand while fiddling his bow. "By the way, how are we going to tell them that we are here? A single arrow is not enough to lead them here."

"Then how about by using 'this'?" Gen proposed as he showed a familiar dried bandage to everyone. "I suppose you don't mind we will be using this, Senku-chan?"

Yes, it was one of the bandages that Senku used to wrap around his wrists. Suika remembered that they removed it from Senku few hours ago in order to keep his body warm. The scientist cocked his head to his side and smirked.

"Of course."

"""""

There was no sign that this downpour is going to cease. The incessant rain drops in a rhythmical manner on top Tsukasa and Hyoga's umbrella, rattling above their heads. Whenever they will exchange some words, they have to raise their voice a bit higher for the natural noise in the background made them difficult to hear each other's voices. Despite all of these disturbances, the two men halt their step almost in unison when they heard, though it was faint, someone shouting their names. They whipped they heads from side to side trying to pinpoint the voice they've just heard.

"Did you hear that, Tsukasa-kun?" Hyoga asked as he lifted the lamp higher.

"Mmm" the other replied. "I think this voice belongs to Kohaku."

For the first few seconds, they were expecting Kohaku will be appearing from the dark, but they didn't see no one. Both of them exchanged query looks and begun calling her name then the rest of the members whom they are looking for, but the result was the same. Only faint voice of Kohaku was heard from afar.

"Don't you think it's strange, Tsukasa-kun?" Hyoga said. "We are using two lamps here. With Kohaku's sharp vision, it's impossible that she can't spot our location." The other nodded in agreement.

"Mmm. And the voice we just heard didn't become louder either. In other words-" he paused as silence fell between them except the rain fall that showers the entire forest. "They can't move from their current location."

Hyogo nodded for he had also the same idea as his. "If that is the case, we should hurry. They might be trapped underneath the fallen trees or in the cave, or probably got involved with the flash flood."

"I think flash flood is impossible because we just heard the shout from that direction." Tsukasa said while pointing his finger towards his right side. "It is from the opposite side where we last heard the flashflood so I think they are fine as long as they did not meet some accidents-"

It was just that moment, something sharp object was about to pass through the space between Tsukasa and Hyoga. But before it could fly out within their range, as if he caught a fly, Tsukasa seized it without showing any sign of difficulty and showed the object to the other.

"An arrow?" Tsukasa laconically said as he also showed it to his friend.

"This arrow belongs to Ukyo-kun, isn't it?" Hyoga confirmed. "That means Ukyo-kun and Chrome-kun are already with Senku-kun's group."

"But even though Ukyo and Chrome are with them, they are still in trouble, huh-" Tsukasa remarked, sounding concern.

"But don't you think they are overestimating us?" Hyoga said with a sigh. "We can get hurt if we don't notice the arrow, you know."

Tsukasa chuckled while inspecting the arrow. "It means that they trust us" he said, remembering that he once caught the arrow that Senku tried to shoot at him few years ago. "Mmm, but anyway, I think that was their best method they could use. Please forgive them, Hyoga." And showed the bandage that was wrapped around the shaft of the arrow.

When Hyoga raised his lamp closer to the bandage, he noticed that something was written in the damp cloth in a rough manner.

Follow that path. Find the light.

Both men gazed towards the direction where the arrow flew from. "It seems like they are really in trouble." Hyoga remarked as he and Tsukasa closed their umbrella for better mobility even though the rain is still pouring down. "But I hope that they do not forget that we are also normal human beings."

"Let's go. Mmm, we can't waste our time here." As soon as Tsukasa said his words, the duo dashed forward with their fastest speed, jumping over the rocks and elevated grounds, vaulting the big fallen trunks and swerving the branches before them.

As they run through the dim paths, Tsukasa and Hyoga noticed that several trees were pierced with Ukyo's arrows. This made them smirk for they immediately knew what it meant. These arrows serve as their guide to lead them to their friends' whereabout.

"""""

"As expected from Tsukasa and Ukyo, they are really fast!" Kohaku remarked with amusement. "I think they will arrive here in any minute. Chrome, give me the wrist light."

Her childhood friend complied and handed over the item, making the further side of the cave dimmer.

The rest of her friends sighed in great relief. "It seems like they also noticed my arrows." Ukyo said while fixing his cap. "They are really sharp as usual."

"Tsukasa and Hyoga are really cool~" Suika said while caressing her pet wild boar. "Someday, Suika will also become a reliable person like them too."

"What are you saying, Suika-chan-" Gen said as he approached the little girl. "You are already a reliable person, you know. You saved us a lot in different kind of situations because of the information you've collected through your investigation. We will be expecting more of your work, Detective Suika-chan."

Hearing the word, 'Detective', made her to smile in elation. "Suika will do her best more for the Science Kingdom!" and jumped in glee while Sagara scurried around her. Gen grinned with her innocent reaction and turned his back towards the direction where Senku is resting.

"Did you hear that, Senku-cha—Senku-chan?"

Knees were drawn close to scientist's body, his head propped on his folded arm over his knees, covering his face while the other hand holding his head. Strands of his white hair protrudes from the spaces between his fingers as shallow panting was heard from his breathing. For some time, his shoulders would convulse when cough struck his lungs simultaneously burning his throat in pain.

"Wha—Senku-chan, it can't be your health gotten worse?" the mentalist rushed towards his aid. Chrome followed after Gen and when Suika also tried to go towards Senku, Ukyo stopped her.

"Suika-chan—" he said as he knelt before her. "I understand your concern towards Senku, but I think you better not approach him, now." He said in a concerning manner. "You might also catch a fever and I'm sure Senku do not want you to be sick either."

Suika opened her mouth to reply back but closed it again. Instead, she gave her firm nod understandingly. Ukyo smiled and caressed her pate, appreciating her compliance.

Gen gently shook the scientist by holding his shoulder as soon as he and Chrome arrived and knelt beside him. "Senku-chan, are you alright?" Gen inquired his voice filled with concern.

It took few moments before the scientist could slightly raise his head up, his fingers still dug in his standing hair. "S-sorry, what did you jus- *cough* *cough* said?" Senku wasn't able to hear his friend's words for he was too busy dealing with his head ache. He felt that it is getting worse as time passes by. Whenever his head throbs, he would wince and sometimes twitch when he would feel the piercing pain.

Gen then placed his hand on Senku's neck but immediately withdrew it in surprise. "Wha- your temperature rose again!" He exclaimed while shaking his hand as if he just accidentally touched a heating pan.

"Tsukasa and Hyoga are coming, so please hang on, Senku" Chrome reassured.

Speaking of the devil, just a second when Chrome mentioned their names, they heard familiar voices from outside.

"We apologize for arriving late"

"Is everybody alright in there?"

It was Tsukasa and Hyoga.

""""

After running through the forest by following the guide that their comrades had prepared it for them, they soon spotted a gleaming light from ajar spaces of the trees.

"That must be it." Tsukasa laconically said.

When they approached the spot further, they were stunned to see when they learned the place where their comrades are trapped. Several trees were piled up beside the cliffside, huge chunks of mud were also seen around and few bulky rocks that likely fell from the cliff were seen crushed on the ground, making the entire area a total mess.

"Tsukasa, Hyoga!" Kohaku exclaimed and waved her hand while holding the wrist light. "Over here!"

The two men recognized her voice and saw the light moving side to side. Soon, they were out from the murky forest and reached before the cliffside of the forest. Huge wall of rock stood before them stretching far towards their right and left from their point of view. Their eyes then fell upon the stacked trunks that were randomly piled up which was high enough for them to bend their neck backwards and at the uppermost layer of the trunk, they saw Kohaku stretching her arm from the small space between the thick woods.

"We apologize for being late" Tsukasa said as he gazed upwards, meeting the eyes of Kohaku.

"Is everybody alright?" Hyoga inquired, raising his lamp to have a better look of their situation.

"We are fine, but Senku is suffering high fever." Kohaku replied, her words were filled with concern. "And I'm sorry to cause you guys in trouble…"

Both men nodded understandably. "You don't need to apologize, Kohaku. Mmm, moreover we are relief to know that you guys are safe. Please stay away from there for a while. We will remove these trunks to make your exit." Tsukasa said while placing the lamp and umbrellas on the ground. Hyoga also did the same and gripped his spear then hopped up the piled trunks until he reached the uppermost layer of the trunk.

"Hyoga~" Chrome also exclaimed in delight. "Thank you for coming~" Hyoga peered over the hole and was amused when he learned that they were trapped inside a small cave. This small dimension protected their friends from falling trunks and rocks. He then gestured them to stand back and begun thrusting and cutting the thick wood in three division with his spear. Tsukasa would then lift and toss the cut wood down to the ground. This procedure continued until a space that was enough for everyone to pass was formed.

A cold zephyr entered the cave as soon as the blocked entrance was destroyed. As two men entered and approached the group, the light that is emitting from their lamps devoured the shadow in their enveloped area, making everyone's appearance visible from one another's eyes.

"Tsukasa! Hyoga!" Suika jumped with joy and trotted towards them. "Thank you for coming! We were really desperate until you guys came."

"Sorry-" Ukyo mumbled while fumbling the tip of his cap. "Even though I was with them, I couldn't do anything." Then apologized.

"It's not your fault why everybody got trapped in here anyway, Ukyo-kun" Hyoga said. "By the way, I heard Senku-kun is not feeling well? I think we should get out from this place and head back fast to the base."

When they scrutinized the further part of the cave, they saw Senku sitting beside the wall. Based from his frail state, they could tell that he also didn't recognize their presence. Gen was kneeling beside him, supporting him by holding his shoulders in order to prevent the scientist from falling on the ground.

"Ah, Tsukasa-chan, Hyoga-chan" Gen remarked when he noticed their gazes. "I'm sorry but can anyone of you carry Senku-chan back to the base? I think he is suffering a strong headache so he can't move."

Hearing his words, Tsukasa volunteered and approached the duo. "I think it's inappropriate to leave him outside for too long." Tsukasa said while carrying the feverish scientist on his arms. Senku was sweating despite the cold weather and was furrowing his eyebrows as if he is fighting against his pain; coughs would often be released between his lips followed by shallow panting which interrupts his normal breathing.

"Tsukasa-kun, I think you can go ahead first so that Senku-kun can have earlier treatment." Hyoga suggested from behind. "We will follow you shortly and don't worry, I will protect everybody."

Gen then placed his purple coat over Senku's body and looked at Tsukasa. "You promised that you will protect him, right?" he said and grinned. "Then please do your job, Tsukasa-chan. The rest of the members here, at least, can handle themselves so please go ahead."

Receiving everyone's humble requests, Tsukasa promised that he would safely bring Senku back to the base then left.

"""""

The group watched Tsukasa and Senku disappearing into the forest, praying that they will arrive safely to their base. Though they know that it is only a fever that Senku is dealing with but the fact he looked so weak and gaunt did not help them to ease their worries.

"Senku-kun will be fine." Hyoga said as he started to hand out the umbrellas, he and his friend brought it for them. "You know he isn't that weak who will lose to his fever." He continued and gave the last umbrella to Kohaku, who was standing at the edge of the line. "Anyway, let's go. We also can't stay here longer too."

The moment when they tried to leave, everyone halted their steps when they heard Sagara squeaking with his usual weird grunt while running in circles before it fleeted inside the cave again.

Hyoga lifted the lamp higher so that they would not lose sight of the little wild boar. When they followed the path where their pet run off, they soon realized the reason behind its behavior.

"Ah, the baskets~" Suika exclaimed then approached after Sagara, who was nudging one of the baskets with his damp nose.

"I totally forgot about them, my bad" Kohaku apologized while scratching the back of her head. It was she who transferred the baskets when they first arrived inside the cave. "Thank you, Sagara for reminding us."

"I'm more surprise that they survived after all these happenings." Gen remarked as he trudged towards the basket, doubting himself if he could carry the heavy luggage with his remaining strength. But before the mentalist and Kohaku could even grab one, Hyoga had already carried two of them while Chrome and Ukyo carried one each.

Before the mentalist and the lady could persist, Chrome reassured them with a gesture and smiled. "Don't worry, we will carry them for you guys." He said as he shrugged his shoulders, jerking the basket he is carrying behind his back.

"But don't you guys also walked for hours to search for us?" Kohaku prompt, still insisting the two that she will carry her basket. Ukyo shook his head, indicating that he is alright too.

"We are fine, but-" his gaze then shifted towards Suika, who was kneeling beside Sagara while her head was cocking down and up. Based from her fatigue condition, drowsiness had struck her after long hours of travel, fruits and mushroom picking and trouble. "I think she need someone to carry her back home."

The elders chuckled when they saw they youngest member of the group was doing her best to stay awake albeit she is already on her limit. Kohaku then walked towards Suika and brushed her pate, cooing her that she could sleep behind her back. Suika, who wasn't able to resist her eyelids from closing, thanked the elder and dropped herself behind Kohaku's back. Without taking more than 10 seconds, the child had entered in her deep sleep.

"""""

Mirai was rubbing her arm while gazing out the forest. It has already been 40 minutes since her elder brother and Hyoga entered the forest to search for their missing comrade. Though she knows that her elder brother will be fine, but her concern towards him and to her comrades never ceased. She couldn't just sit down and keep still.

"Are you worried about elder brother, Ms. Mirai?" Ryusei asked while approaching her, wearing his usual confident smile while Francois was following behind him. The little girl jerked with his sudden presence but nodded in response.

"Yes, not only him, but everyone who is missing." Mirai replied, her voice wobbled with concern. "I believe they will come back but with this weather… I'm sure they are facing some kind of trouble…"

Ryusui observed her for a while and smiled, gently rubbing her pate as he always does to Suika. "They will be fine and I'm sure they will come back." He said and crossed his arms before his chest. "And when they come back, let's welcome them with our big smile and hug!" and snapped his fingers.

Mirai elated and smiled. "Yes!"

Few minutes after waiting under the same tent, Francois saw a flickering light in the middle of the murky forest and it was approaching towards their direction.

"Master Ryusui" she said and received a nod from his master for he too, noticed the light.

"With this speed, I think it is-"

A dim human figure emerged from the dark.

"Tsukasa"

As if a wind just passed by them, a huge man jumped out from the forest which surprised the waiting trio. For the first few second, they exclaimed in joy for his return but after they noticed the presence of the unconscious scientist laying in his arms, they gasped and immediately led him inside the tent.

"What happened?" Ryusui asked Tsukasa but after he saw how red Senku's face was, he immediately knew what was the reason behind his weak state.

"Francois, get ready for his separate ward. I think Senku is suffering a fever" Ryusui ordered, snapping his fingers as soon as he understood the situation. Tsukasa thanked him for his immediate response then carefully placed Senku on the nearby dining table so that they can treat him. People who heard the commotion started to gather around them, but before they could even know what was happening, Ryusui commanded them to help Francois in setting up Senku's ward.

GInro, Kinro and Matsukaze who first arrived in the scene was in daze at first but after they saw the scientist on the laying unconscious on the table, they complied and followed after the butler.

Yuzuriha and Taiju, who arrived next was also as surprised as the first group. The lady then went off to get some dry clothes while the man rushed beside the scientist.

"Senku!" he exclaimed in surprise. When he tried to shook his body, Tsukasa stopped him and explained.

"He is suffering high fever." He said. "Probably his stress and the unfriendly environment triggered his fever."

"Then we should treat him fast so that the fever will not go worse." Taiju said and almost at the same timing, Yuzuriha came back together with Mirai, carrying piles of towels on their arms.

"Use this, Taiju-kun!" she said, handing out towels to him. The other took it and started drying Senku's hair, face and his arm, carefully not hurting the feverish man. Mirai also handed out a towel to her elder brother and then embraced him.

"I'm sorry, I made you worried." Tsukasa apologized as he caressed her pate. Mirai just shook her head and smiled, reassuring her elder brother that she is fine.

"I'm glad you arrived her safe, brother." She said with a relief tone. "But where are the others? Aren't you with them?"

"They are coming, Mirai. Mmm. They told me to go ahead so that Senku can receive his treatment as soon as possible." The elder brother replied.

Few minutes later, Francois returned and informed them that the ward is ready. Taiju then carried Senku on his arms while Ryusui gazed towards his loyal servant and snapped his fingers.

"I suppose you know what to do next, Francois?"

"Absolutely, Master Ryusui-" the servant said, placing his one arm behind his back while offering his bow towards his master. "I shall set up another heater stove for the arriving team and prepare them a hot meal that will satisfy their hungry stomach. Meanwhile I shall request someone to deliver new set of clothes, a towel and warm water for Master Senku. "Satisfied with his response, Ryusui grinned and followed after Taiju.

"I and Taiju will be treating Senku. I will be counting the rest to you, Francois."

The butler offered his half bow towards his master before he started giving instructions to the people who have gathered in the cafeteria. Yuzuriha and Mirai went back to get more towels and new set of clothes for the arriving team, Magma, Yo and Kaseki begun setting up the heating stove while Francois, Nikki and Minami went to the kitchen to cook a warm meal that will revitalize the exhausted body of their comrades.

After 10 minutes of haste preparation, Homura spotted Hyoga and the rest of his comrades coming out from the forest. Hearing her announcement, Kinro and Ginro welcomed them with joy, relief to see their lost comrades came back safe in the base.

As soon as Ginro spotted Kohaku, he dashed and cling to his childhood friend. "KOHAKU~~~ You dumb! You made me worry!" he cried. The lady chuckled but then mimed a hush to the younger and then slightly shifted her back towards him.

"I'm sorry to make you worry, but I will appreciate more if you will lessen your voice. You see, Suika is sleeping."

Ginro formed an 'oh' with his mouth and nodded. The brothers then assisted their comrades and led them to the cafeteria where all their clothes, towels and meals were already set up. It took around 30 minutes until everything settled down. Gen started sharing their stories about the experience they had throughout the day for he knew that everybody was eager to know what had happened to them, especially about Senku.

"""""

It was already midnight. The tables in the cafeteria were all cleanly wiped. All the lamps were off, making the whole area wrapped with darkness. Light rain was still present, showering the entire forest. The combination of raindrops that randomly drips on the trees and the rustling of the leaves gives a natural relaxing symphony which served as a lullaby to cast everyone to fall asleep.

But it didn't seem to work on Gen.

The mentalist was sitting before the campfire, listening to the crackles of the glowing embers while watching the scarlet flames dancing in rhythm along with the obscure shadows on the ground. His arms were all tucked inside his oversized sleeves while the towel he used to dry himself few hours ago was still hanged over his shoulders.

Gen himself wondered why he couldn't sleep. Yes, he is exhausted. He could feel the weight on his shoulders and the numbness of his feet but still his eyelids won't just let itself to close despite all these factors that depicts that he is tired.

This ironic feeling made him to sigh in exhaustion.

"Can't sleep?"

Gen flinched and slightly turned his head towards the direction of the voice. It was Ukyo.

The other man gave his usual gentle smile, lifting his cap a little as a form of greeting and joined the mentalist, sitting few spaces apart from him as he slid his quiver down on the ground from his shoulder. Gen smiled to his unexpected company and nodded, returning his gaze back to the flames.

"Well, it can't be help. Lots of things happened today." Ukyo answered his own question. "By the way, how was Senku? I wasn't able to visit him after our arrival."

"Ryusui-chan said he is fine" Gen replied and sighed. "For real, I should have stop Senku-chan from going when he invited me to pick up mushrooms and fruits." Glimpse of guilt and regret were felt from his words. Ukyo was listening as he started wiping the blades of his arrows.

"It's not your fault, Gen. No one anticipated the weather and the accident anyway." Ukyo replied while picking up another arrow. "But as an adult, I also felt that we should be more responsible to look after people, especially the younger ones like Senku." He reflected apologetically. "Our comrades are all kind people so they tend to act recklessly when someone is in trouble."

The mentalist nodded in total agreement with his statement.

"I guess Senku-chan is concern about our comrades who will be left here." The mentalist shared. "I saw him drawing several sketches of machines, most likely to make the livelihood here better while we are travelling to America." His face then paled before he did a weak chuckle. "But when I thought that we will be making those things, I almost died."

Ukyo chortled and nodded. "New ideas mean another load of work." he summarized for he could also relate Gen. "I guess I should also start looking for my substitute as a teacher too. It will be nice if people from Ishigami village will learn how to read and write."

Gen had also the same thought as the other. Communication is essential in this Stone World. There are times when they need to send messages through exchanging letters. He could still remember that when they were still in the Treasure Island, they had hard time solving the hidden message sent by Kohaku.

"Really, we still have lots of things to do…" Gen said and did a deep sigh. The other hummed and grinned.

"In my point of view, Gen, even though you are complaining like that, you seemed to be having fun." His words surprised the other. "You are doing your best in every work you are given, making everyone smile with your magic tricks, and even saving our lives by your abilities as a mentalist."

"Eh? Why are you suddenly praising me, Ukyo-chan?" Gen reacted in daze but smirked afterwards. "But I think I can't deny the fact that I am having fun." Then paused. "Before the petrification, I was just living half-heartedly. Show magic tricks to people I deceived and sometimes going somewhere for fun with people whom I can't confidently say that they are my friends. But in this Stone World, I met with different types of people. Everyone was doing their best in something, risking their lives for the sake of their comrades. I think it was my first time being tired of deceiving and persuading people." He expressed and released a tiring chuckle when he recalled how much effort he put when he was trying to persuade Mozu to team up with them to defeat Minister Ibara.

"That's a proof that you are also risking your lives for the sake of our comrades, Gen." Ukyo praised while wiping the last arrow he pulled out from his quiver. "Everyone is the same but taking care of yourself is also important."

"I totally agree~" Gen drawled. "When Senku-chan will wake up, we should remind him not to push himself again."

Both men giggled and exchanged few more words to each other before they decided to return to their sleeping quarters to have their good night sleep.

"""""

"Are you alright, Senku?" a voice of a familiar old man said. The scientist gazed up but all he could see was a figure of a man wearing a white shirt. He squinted his eyes to focus his gaze but it didn't work. "I am sorry that I wasn't able to recognize earlier." The voice said with apologetic tone.

The little Senku then felt a cool cloth being placed on his forehead followed by a warm hand, caressing his head. "But also, please take care of your health, alright? You know how much I care about you, Senku."

As if his vision cleared a bit, the young scientist recognized the old man smiling. "And if you got better, let us go to the planetarium you wanted to visit for a long time!"

When the young scientist l lifted his head a little higher, a morphing figure above him, gradually begun to stabilize which revealed the face of his father, wearing his usual cocky grin that never failed to brighten his day.

"B-Byakuya-"

Before he could reach out his tiny hand to grab the sleeves of his father, a blinding light suddenly shone between them, wrapping both men with its radiance. Senku gazed the old man until the last moment before he and his father turned into thousand shards of glasses and disappeared.

"""""

Senku furrowed his eyebrows before he slowly lifted his eyelids. At first, he only saw a blurry bright light before him, but when he squinted his eyes, hues and images started to appear until he realized that he was gazing up the ceiling.

His blank stare gradually turned into a surprise one which made him to jerk and lifted his body forward, ignoring the damp cloth falling off from his forehead. As soon as he sat up, he shook his head from side to side to confirm his surroundings. Just like he thought, he was sleeping inside a tent.

"S-Senku-kun?" the scientist flinched when a female voice mentioned his name from behind. When he turned his body towards that direction, his eyes widened when he saw Yuzuriha, who also had the same mien as his, sitting on a bench while sewing someone's clothes.

"How long was I sleepin-" before he could even end his sentence, the lady rushed towards him then held his shoulders simultaneously placing her hand on his forehead.

The scientist recoiled back in surprise with her action and couldn't avert his eyes from her brown gaze which was looking at him intently. After few moments of awkward silence for Senku, the lady removed her hands from the scientist and sighed in relief as she dropped herself on the nearby wooden stool.

"I'm glad that your fever went down." She said with relief and smiled. "It seemed like the herb that Kokuyo-san brought from Ishigami village worked."

Senku did a sharp inhale before he broke into a cackle. "It seemed like I even caused trouble to Ishigami village, huh…" he said as he placed his hand on his forehead, trying to recall the events that happened that day. The last thing he could recall was the faint voices of Tsukasa and Hyoga, telling them to stay back from the blocked entrance for they are going to destroy them. After that, he was too busy dealing with his headache then eventually everything turned black.

"Yuzuriha, I brought the warm water you requested." a familiar voice was heard from the entrance which drew Senku out from his thoughts. It was Taiju, carrying a basin with his both hands. As soon as the man stepped in the tent, he was surprised to see his childhood friend awake.

An instant grin was drawn in his face. Unable to contain his happiness, he strode straight towards the scientist with a big smile. "Woah, Senku!" he exclaimed, his boisterous voice flinched the other. "You're finally awake!"

Senku laid himself backward to avoid close contact with his friend and from the warm water splashing in the basin he is carrying. Taiju's usual loud voice never failed to hurt his ear, but it didn't annoy him rather it helped him to be calm. Senku then inserted his pinky finger into his ear and chuckled. "As usual, you're loud, big oaf. But thanks to you guys, I'm awake." He thanked. "By the way, how long did I sleep?"

"Two days" Taiju answered laconically while placing the basin on top of the nearby table. As if a big hammer hit his head, Senku gasped in bewilderment.

"TWO DAYS!?" the scientist reacted and placed his hand on his forehead again. "Seriously? I wasted so much time sleeping… I was the one who told you to be careful not to get sick in this Stone world, but in the end, I was the one who became sick." The scientist scoffed himself and chuckled, thinking how lame he was.

Learning how much he spent his time resting, the scientist tried to slip his feet out from his bed but was immediately stopped by Yuzuriha.

"Senku-kun-"

The scientist flinched and halt then slowly gaze to the lady.

"Please stay in the bed and rest. You are not fully recovered yet." She said with her firm voice and pouted her cheeks. Senku pursed his lips and tried to open his mouth to defend himself but stopped when he noticed her eyes worried gaze.

"Yu-Yuzuriha?" Taiju prompt when he too noticed her expression changed. He then exchanged his query looks with the scientist and returned their attention back to the lady.

The lady stared her classmates for a while, her eyes glimmered with light before she averted her eyes and did a downcast gaze. "You know, when I saw Senku-kun unconscious that night, my head turned white and my body couldn't stop shivering with fear." Her sudden confession stunned both of her friends but she continued speaking.

"I thought that I might lose someone important to me again… Up until this time, we do not know where our father, mother, our classmates are, so I became really desperate to help." Senku noticed her fists on her lap tightened, and her voice wobbled.

Taiju nodded understandably for he could somehow relate with her feelings. He, too, was shock to learn when Senku came back unconscious. He couldn't imagine what could have happen if their comrades weren't there to help him. Though he knew that his childhood friend has weaker physical body than him, it was his first time to witness him being that fragile.

Yuzuriha then cocked her head up and smiled. "So, please don't push yourself okay?"

"Yuzuriha is right, Senku" Taiju said as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You don't need to carry the burden alone. We are here, everybody is here! Just like how you helped us out when we are in trouble, we are also here to help you." then gave his wide beam to Senku.

The scientist's eyes widened for a brief moment before he broke into smirk. He then cocked his head to his side and replied. "Yeah, I promise to be careful next time."

Taiju the jumped between them and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. "We three will never separate again!" he declared. "No one will be left behind. We are family after all. Everybody here in this Science Kingdom is our family!"

His boisterous voice rang their ears but his genuine words and feelings made them to smile.

"You're really loud, big oaf" Senku remarked and chuckled as he inserted his pinky finger again in his ear. "And let us free from your tight embrace, I barely breath."

As if Taiju just noticed his action, he released them from his embrace, giving his quick apology before he laughed out again with glee. "Senku, don't you feel hungry? Francois asked me to call him if you are awake. Wanna eat something?"

"Then I will inform everyone that you're awake." Yuzuriha said as she clasped her hands before her chest. "Everyone was worried about you, Senku-kun. I'm sure everybody will be happy and relief to hear that you're awake." And gave her sweet smile.

Senku arched his eyebrow and smiled. Though he did not want to say it personally, inside he is really grateful for their concerns and support. He wondered what would have happened to him if he didn't meet them before and after the petrification time. Albeit it is embarrassing to admit it, he felt he could overcome any difficult situations if he is with them.

"That's exaggerating, Yuzuriha. It will be troublesome afterwards." Senku commented and then looked at Taiju. "And yeah, I'm going to eat some. I need to regain my strength as soon as possible so that I can use you guys again to work for new projects, kukuku." He sneered; his face darkened as he released his mischievous chuckle.

Though the scientist remarks that way, both Taiju and Yuzuriha know that Senku is the one who cares, not only them, the entire comrades of the Science Kingdom the most. Since they became friends with the scientist, they watched him endeavoring into science, always excited and amazed whenever he will discover something. Every end of the classes or weekends, they would gather in Senku's apartment to help him into his projects, such as rocket building, and would sometimes listen to his science stories for hours which would make Taiju fall asleep along the way.

Soon, the tent was filled with warm atmosphere as the three friends started to share their time laughing and chatting together. Somewhere in their heart, they felt nostalgia as if the tent they are in right now is Senku's room. A room full of science and memories.

"""""

"Friendship is really a beautiful thing. Don't you agree, Francois-chan?" Gen inquired the butler, who was standing beside him. Francois nodded and smiled.

"Indeed. Their strong bond and deep trust to one another is admirable one."

"How I wished I had that kind of friendship with my classmates before~" Gen whined and sighed as he inserted his arms in his over-sized sleeves.

Gen and Francois originally came to visit and check Senku's situation, but after they heard their voices, they withdrew for not wanting to break their happy moment. The two adults then decided to come back later so that they can prepare a healthy meal for Senku.

When the two was about to pass a certain tree, Gen halted his steps and gaze upwards. "Aren't they adorable? It's rare to have that kind friendship even in the modern world-"

Ukyo who was resting on the branch of a tree while crossing his arms before his chest, nodded and smiled. His eyes still closed which was overcast by the shadow of his cap. "Yeah- it also reminds me of my high school days." he said while listening to trio's voices. Hearing his reply, Gen and Francois smirked then continued heading towards the kitchen.

Soon, the news spread throughout the Science Kingdom about Senku's recovery and people begun to visit the scientist after they all finished their duties for the day.

THE END.

"""""

A/N: Finally, I am done writing this fanfic~ Yehey~ I am really sorry that I posted this last chapter very late because I was also busy writing another fanfic. I hope you enjoyed it and I am sorry if there were some parts that I wasn't able to express it well. Please give me a message if there are sentences you want me to fix it (spelling, grammar etc. I am really bad at grammars, sorry).

Thank you very much again and Godspeed!