Disclaimer:
I do not own Highschool of the Dead or Sankarea, in either of its glorious manga or anime forms. It belongs to Madhouse and Funimation, who are probably a lot richer (and undoubtedly a lot smarter) than I shall ever be.

Summary:
During their escape to the Takagi Manor, Takashi and Saeko spend the night at a shrine. This time, however, they spend the night at the Furuya Family Shrine, and get to meet a most unusual kind of zombie. Rated PG-13 for some horror violence and mild sexuality.

Saeko froze.

Her entire body couldn't move, she couldn't blink, she could scarcely breathe. The tiny children, dead, gnashing teeth seconds away from tearing into her, and she couldn't move. She was going to die...

Suddenly Takashi was there, shoving her aside and intercepting the first child, jamming the muzzle of his shotgun into its wide open mouth and pulling the trigger. The sound echoed across the landscape as the child's head exploded in a gooey mess of brain matter and shattered bone fragments. Saeko's hand flew to her mouth in horror, positive she was about to be sick. Her whole body shuddered in disgust as Takashi turned to her, concern laden in his every movement. He took her hand in his.

"Come on!"

With those two simple words, Saeko felt her body go slack, letting herself be lead along by Takashi as they fled deeper into the district, weaving in and out amongst broken streets and back alleyways, trying to find safety and sanctuary. More of Them appeared, but by now they were so sparsely populated she and Takashi could simply manuver around them if they were quick enough. Even so, they couldn't keep running forever. And they were still too far away from the Takagi manor. They needed to find somewhere to hole up for the night.

Suddenly, salvation seemed to materialize out of the darkness.

"There!" he said, pointing. A small shrine just down the street, with a heavy gate. Takashi bolted for it, all but dragging Saeko behind him by the wrist. She stumbled awkwardly but gratefully allowed herself to be led as they made their way to the double doors. It was an older shrine that pre-dated many of its more modern counterparts, but that virtue was serving it well in this crisis, its doors were bolted from the inside. If they could just get on the inside, they might be safe for a while. At least the night, Takashi hoped.

There was a thick scent in the air, not quite like burning incense, but something that tickled the back of Takashi's nose and his brain. Stubbornly, he ignored it and tried the gate. Locked. Biting back a curse, he gave it a good shake, trying to loosen it. He really didn't want to risk blowing it down with a shotgun shot, but low moans filled the air, and he could already see dark shapes staggering down the street after them. The rattling wood of the doorframe didn't help.

He lifted his fist, about to bang again, when he heard movement on the other side. An eye peeked out from between a crack in the gates, and Takashi recoiled. The living could easily be as dangerous as the dead, after all, if not more so.

"Stay back! I'm warning you!"

"We just need to shelter for the night," Takashi shot back, as loudly as he dared. "We're not bit or anything. Please."

"Can't chance it," the voice came again. "Find somewhere else!"

"Open up or I swear I'll blow a hole in this gate!" threatened Takashi, cocking his shotgun hard, hoping the owner of the voice could hear it. The dead certainly could, and a few more ghouls were staggering towards them, drawn by the noise.

He glanced back at Saeko again, who looked even more pale than usual in the moonlight. "Please," he breathed out, desperate.

There was a brief pause, then the voice came again. It sounded like a young man's, possibly a boy's. "Were either of you bit?"

Takashi shook his head, even as he whispered loudly back, "No, we haven't, now please, hurry. Open the gate."

"It's barricaded for a reason," said the boy tersely. "But come around back, there's a tree right up against the fence. Use that to climb over. I'll help you."

The swiftness of his directions left little doubt in their minds he was telling the truth, and the Fujimi High survivors wasted no time in following the boys instructions. Quickly they skirted around the edge of the shrine and towards the back, passing amidst a field of flowers on the way and through some gnarled, leafless trees. The hillside was very steep, and thankfully clear of undead. Takashi suspected the landscape would make it difficult for such uncoordinated attackers to arrive en masse, just like they had trouble near the riverside earlier in the day. Even so, he kept his shotgun close and primed in case they ran into anything ugly.

The tree the boy mentioned was perfectly positioned beside the shrine's fence, and a branch set into place for them to reach. Takashi stopped at the base of it. "Here, you go first," he said to Saeko, looking around to keep watch. "Get over the fence."

"Not likely," she replied, surprising him. He looked at her in confusion, and she explained with a pointed finger down at her legs. "Skirt," she said simply. Takashi went red at the implications.

"Oh, right, uhm... I'll go first then, if you don't mind," he stammered out.

She smiled beautifully at him. "Thank you, Takashi."

Takashi wasted no time in planting a foot against the tree, grabbing the branch for leverage, and hauling himself up against the fence. On the other side the courtyard was mostly clear, but he instantly saw the boy he must've been talking to. Well, teen was definitely a better description, he didn't look more than a year or two younger than Takashi, though he was reasonably on the short side. He had distinctly cat-like features, tuffs of hair like ears and eyes that would've looked mischievous if he wasn't so dead serious looking. He was holding a gardening rake like a spear, but didn't seem keen on using it. His entire body was trembling.

He wore a long-sleeved red shirt under a black tee, and some regular pants and sandals more appropriate for the warm climate. Ironically, his shirt had 'Living Dead' written on it in English. He could not have chosen more perfect garments to wear for the end of the world.

A barrel had been positioned against the wall on this side, and Takashi stepped lightly onto it, moving with as much care and quiet as he could, as quickly as he could. He kept his eyes on the other boy, and he returned the favor warily.

"Sure you're not bit?" he said, eyeing Takashi carefully as he dropped to the ground in the yard.

"Fairly sure I'd remember," said Takashi sarcastically, but held out his arms and showed his limbs just to be safe. He didn't want to end up like Alice's dad had, after all. He kept his shotgun aimed upwards, and hand free of the trigger. If the other boy attacked he'd probably not be able to get a shot off in time, but he'd probably be able to deflect an attack.

"How many of there are you?" the boy asked. "I couldn't see too well."

"Just two," Takashi replied, even as Saeko's head popped up over the fence and she daintily climbed down. Takashi did his best to help her down, which was complicated when he suddenly averted his gaze, reminded once more that she was indeed only wearing a short black skirt.

Satisfied they would have no more customers, the boy lay his rake against the fence, shifting a pouch resting at his side as he climbed up onto the barrel. "Okay, keep quiet," he instructed. His back to Takashi and Saeko, the boy produced some blue powder from a pouch at his side and tossed it over the wall. There came that scent again, stronger than before, assailed Takashi's nostrils.

"What was that?"

"Shhh!" the boy cautioned frantically. Then, much more quietly, he whispered, "Crushed hydrangea powder, mixed with black pepper. Confuses their sense of smell, tends to drive off the zombies."

Takashi winced as if physically struck. "Please don't say that word," he asked.

The boy blinked. "What word?"

"T-that word."

Another blink of this enormous, cat-like eyes. He caught Takashi's meaning, but evidently didn't understand it. "Why not?" he asked, climbing down off the barrel.

"Because it's-!" exclaimed Takashi, his voice raising dangerously high before he caught himself. "... sorry, sorry, look I'm sorry, I'm just... it's been a bad day."

The other boy nodded at this, seemingly understanding instantly. A quick peek over the fence confirmed they were safe, for the moment. "They should be gone for now, but let's not chance it. Let's talk inside."

The inside of the home was small, definitely on the side of cozy, and not designed for a large family. All space was at a premium, spread across the two floors. Takashi was grateful for the roof, however, and a chance to take off his shoes and let his aching feet breathe a little. Judging from the way Saeko winced as she rubbed her ankle, she was feeling much the same way.

The young boy led Takashi and Saeko down the short hallway to another room.

"Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Chihiro. Chihiro Furuya," he said as he escorted them into the kitchen. Inside was a much older, nearly bald man that Takashi took to be Chihiro's father, and probably the shrine's priest, the latter of which was strongly suggested by his robes. He had a haggard look about him, as if not having slept well in some time. Sitting beside him at the table was one of the palest girl's Takashi had ever seen, with hair a pale shade of blue and skin like porcelain. She wore a rumpled school uniform not too dissimilar from Saeko's, though hers was predominantly black. Neither said a word as the two Fujimi survivors entered, though they watched them closely.

"This is Mero, my sister, and our father Doon. It's nice to meet you," he said formally.

Saeko immediately bowed, and Takashi followed suit, not wishing to be rude. The small family returned the gesture.

"We are most thankful you have accepted us into your home," intoned the Busujima Swordswoman. "I am Saeko Busujima, Third Year at Fujimi High Academy. This is Takashi Komuro, Second Year from the same."

"Uhm, thank you very much for taking us in," Takashi added, feeling he ought to say something as well.

The bald priest nodded. "Our home is honored by your visit. We... don't have much, admittedly..."

Takashi shook his head. "We just need to spend the night, let things cool down outside a bit," he explained. "By morning we'll be out of your hair and on our way, I promise."

"May we offer you dinner?" asked the little girl, Mero.

He started to decline, not wishing to further impose upon their hospitality. "Thank you, no, we're fi-" when suddenly a soft rumbling came from his side, and he looked over in surprise. Saeko blushed as she placed a hand over her stomach, acutely embarrassed.

"Well... maybe a little, if it's not too much trouble?"

Evidently it wasn't, for Mero dished out some bowls with white rice. Not even halfway full, it seemed she was rationing what they had, and Takashi did not blame her. Still, it was enough to satisfy them both, who hadn't had anything to eat since leaving Shizuka's friend's place the other evening. Had it really been almost a full day already? Time flew when you were running and fighting for your life. The adrenaline was wearing off, however, as they settled into the relative safety of their temporary shelter.

The other members of the Furuya family also doled out some rice and began eating, adding in some pickles and other non-perishable foods they must have kept in the pantry.

"So... you're a long way from Fujimi High," Chihiro remarked quietly, watching them. "Where on earth were you headed that you wound up here?"

"We're trying to make our way to the Takagi Manor," Takashi replied. "We were in a larger group but... we got separated."

"Did they make it out?"

"It looked like they did. Last we saw they were being picked up by some fire fighters. Water cannons are evidently very effective against the... against Them."

"That's an interesting idea," Chihiro mused, rubbing his chin in thought. "I don't think our garden hose has quite the same amount of force to it though."

Chuckles all around the table were amused by the idea of that, at least. "Well, maybe you can come with us," Takashi offered. "I don't know the situation up at the manor but I know the Takagis personally. And it's a lot of ground behind a very high iron fence..."

The father, Doon, held up his hand to gently cut Takashi off, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived. "I do not think that would be... practical," he said, glancing meaningfully at his children. Chihiro's cat-like eyes shifted sideways.

There was a soft footfall behind him.

A week ago, Takashi might not have even heard such. As it was, living in this post-apocalyptic world was doing wonders to sharpen his senses, and his head snapped up in seconds to see what it was. There, at the stairs just outside the kitchen, leading up to the second floor. Another young woman, not much older than Chihiro.

If the little sister was pale, this girl was positively bloodless, skin so white it was like marble. She had long black hair in a hime-cut, not unlike how Saeko wore it, and a pair of startling red eyes. Possibly an albino. She wore a long purple shirt that looked few sizes too big for her slight frame, and a red pair of workout shorts that clung to her hips and thighs, leaving her long, pale legs bare. Her feet were likewise uncovered. A red ribbon, like a splash of blood, tied back her long hair.

"I, uhm, I'm sorry I... don't mean to interrupt..."

Chihiro was on his feet in moments, making his way to the pale girl's side and taking her hands in his.

"You... is everything alright?" he asked, swiftly changing topics.

"I think so. I didn't see anyone else outside."

That explains, thought Takashi. She must've been watching from an upstairs window. Probably spotted Saeko and myself and let Chihiro know so he could watch the gate.

As if suddenly aware of their guests, Chihiro started and turned back to them, shifting his body subtly so he shielded the pale girl behind him. The movement didn't go unnoticed, though Takashi said nothing.

"Oh, this is Rea. She's a... a friend staying with us," Chihiro explained quickly.

Takashi frowned, suddenly alert. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the mood in the room had suddenly changed. Chihiro's entire body had gone tense, and his voice was strained, as if he was reciting a line he'd rehearsed in his head. He suddenly seemed afraid, and this boy had barely batted an eye at the zombie hordes surrounding his family's shrine. Let alone two strangers armed with a shotgun and a bokken getting inside.

Something very strange was going on at this shrine.

With so few rooms in the house to actually use, Takashi had offered to sleep on the floor in the kitchen if it meant giving up a bed for Saeko. As it turned out, with Rea already using Chihiro's room and bed, and the master bedroom filled with a number of survival supplies, space was already at a premium. They solved this conundrum by letting Saeko sleep on the floor of Chihiro's bedroom with sheets and pillows from the master bedroom, while Rea took the bed already there. Mero had her own room of course. And the men had moved to the shrine. The floor was wooden and uncomfortable, but it was better than nothing.

Takashi suspected this was at least partly to ensure he and Saeko were separated during the night. He did not want her out of his sight, but the truth of the matter was they owed these people their lives, and it was a sensible precaution, since they were being allowed to keep their weapons. This way, everyone was safe, and no one would try anything during the night.

Even so, he told Saeko in no uncertain terms to not hold back if she was in danger, and that he'd be at her side as soon as he felt such was the case.

"You've been lucky," Takashi remarked, laying out a futon in the shrine and smoothing out the corners with Chihiro's aid.

The cat-faced boy glanced up at him. "How so?"

"Your shrine here is isolated... and it's on a hill. It's almost like the people who built this place were expecting trouble. And you've been able to figure out how to drive off the undead."

"I guess we have been lucky," Chihiro admitted. "But so've you and Saeko-san. Travelling has got to be a major pain right about now."

"We figured out their weak points pretty quick..." Takashi replied. "And a friend of ours she... she realized early on they were only attracted to sound. We didn't realize they still had smell too. How did you figure it out?"

His eyes shifted sideways. Takashi was beginning to suspect he did that when he didn't want to be forthcoming about something. "We uh... experimented," Chihiro said. "Found one zombie that we could... uh... test it on. Worked pretty well."

And again, there was that word.

Takashi grimaced but said nothing, not like he could protest it. It did seem accurate enough. Yet part of his mind still rebelled against the idea. This was reality, after all. Zombies were creatures of fantasy and make-believe. Science fiction B movies and bad manga. Video games and anime series. Not real. Not flesh and blood like him and the boy lying down across from him. His conscious mind was not yet ready to make the leap, not when it could grasp at the possibility of a more rational explanation.

"Well, whatever else, we're grateful you let us stay here," Takashi said, brushing a hand through his dark locks awkwardly. "Thanks."

The other boy blinked at him stupidly for a minute, as if unsure of why he'd bother to express his thanks, then offered his hand. Takashi took it and shook firmly. "No problem. I mean, sure we didn't want to let you in if you were dangerous but... who wouldn't take in someone in need? We're not monsters." They shared a smile at that, both equally grateful to find some measure of humanity left in the other. In a world gone to Hell, it was a much needed comfort.

The tender moment was interrupted, however by a sound carried by the wind. It was very faint, but the moan was impossible to miss. The exhale of air from a set of rotted lungs. A very distinctly pitched moan. More of Them. They couldn't have been close, but they might have been just outside the fences of the shrine.

Nearby.

Listening.

"... not yet, at any rate," Chihiro clarified in a low whisper, with an ominous look.

A shiver descended down his spine as Takashi took off his jacket, laying it over his covers to add to his warmth, and crawled under them with his weapon at hand. Takashi cradled his shotgun close against his side (mindful to keep the barrel pointed away from everyone) and tried to sleep. It wasn't easy, even with his body screaming that it was tired, because his mind remained active. But eventually, his thoughts had run round and round in circles enough that even they were worn out, and gradually, he began to drift off to the realm of sleep.

Authors Notes:
The black pepper and hydrangea mixture driving off zombies is not something out of the manga, but a wholly original concept I came up with to manage some plot elements. It makes sense Chihiro, like Saya, would have experimented to find ways to combat and deal with the regular zombies (which are markedly different than Rea's condition) and unlike her, has no pre-existing reason to doubt their existence or status.