Dead or Alive

Author's note: My first fic for High School of the Dead. Please review and constructive criticism is welcome but no flames, please! I want to thank Miharu Touska for helping and encouraging me to continue as well as being a beta for the fic.

Character:

Name: Rain Kennedy

Age: 17

Eye color: Green. She wears wire framed glasses

Hair Color: Natural dark red, cut short with bangs pushed to the side

Back Ground: Since she was a young child, Rain never knew her father, just knowing that he had left before she had been born. Her uncle raised her for a good part of her years till she was ten years old before having to move back with her mother as her uncle was called back to division in the army to serve over seas. During that time he had taught Rain some basic survival skills. When Rain moved back in with her mother, not even two months after living with her, Rain's mother became physically abusive. Rain had to live with that for seven years, trying to hide it from people and the friends she had made.

She was ecstatic when she learned about moving to Japan, hoping it would be better and it did when she met Takashi and the others.

###

CHAPTER ONE

Two months earlier….

Rain sighed as she waited outside the door, waiting for her new teacher, Sensei Sakura to introduce her to her new classmates. It was her first day at Fujimi High school. She had trouble finding her classroom before a faculty member helped her. She pushed her glasses up her nose, waiting for her name to be called.

"Class, I want you to meet your new class mate, Rain Kennedy," Sensei Sakura said from the front of the class. He gestured towards the female student standing in the doorway.

Swallowing heavily, Rain walked into the room and looked towards the class, bowing politely, giving a small smile. "Rain comes from America and is living with her mother." Sensei Sakura turned his head to look at the American. "Is there anything you want to say to the class Miss Kennedy?"

"Well, I do target practice, playing the violin, baking and some cooking but my specialty is pastries," Rain said, not wanting to reveal too much of her private life. She had heard that some Japanese children weren't too kind to foreigners and didn't want to give them any bait. "It's nice to meet you."

A handsome boy with black hair and brownish golden eyes raised his hand. "Yes Mr. Komuro?" Sensei Sakura said. "Did you have a question?"

"Yes," The kid said. He looked at Rain and offered a friendly smile. "I'm Takashi. Wanna be friends?"

Rain felt herself blush lightly at the question. That was quick. She couldn't find a reason to say 'no' and nodded, smiling. "Yes."

Takashi grinned. "Great" he said. Some of the students snickered and giggled, used to Takashi's antics and friendly attitude.

Rain found herself giving a real smile to Takashi. She had the feeling that from day on her life would be a lot more bearable with a friend. She felt more hopeful and excited about her stay in Japan.

###

The day before the world came crashing down…

"Rain!"

Rain turned to see Hisashi and Rei heading towards her way and bit back a small groan, forcing a smile at the couple. She hadn't known them for very long but she knew Hisashi cared a lot about Rei, who returned those feelings. Although, things were awkward and tense between Rei and herself, due to her close friendship with Takashi Rain had only accepted the fact that she now had a huge crush on her best friend, Takashi. Sadly, Takashi didn't seem aware as he was too busy glancing at Rei with sadness and longing.

"Hey, what's up?" Rain asked, hear ears twitching rom the bell ringing, signaling that the school day was over. She pushed up her glasses, feeling them slide down her nose.

"Rei and I wanted to know if you and Takashi wanted to go to a movie tonight or something," Hisashi asked, standing close to Rei.

Rei looked at Rain and gave her a glare when Hisashi wasn't looking; daring her to say 'no.' she didn't want Rain around and hoped the girl didn't come.

Rain held back a mental eye roll at her bratty attitude. It grated on her nerves. "A movie huh?" she said, as she thought it over. She wanted to go, to get away for a bit and hang out with Takashi but she would have to deal with her mom and her 'punishments'. "I don't know…"

Rei looked over Rain's shoulder and smiled. "Takashi!" she called, waving lightly.

Rain tuned to look over her shoulder and smiled warmly at the approaching teen, who smiled in return. "Hi Takashi," she greeted.

"Hi Rain," Takashi returned, walking towards the group. He nodded at Hisashi and Rei, trying not to stare at the redhead. "So, what's up everyone?"

Hisashi smiled at his friend. "We wanted to know if you and Rain wanted to go to the movies with us."

"Ah," Takashi said and looked at the girl next to him. "What do you think?"

Rain hated to but she had to decline. She pushed back her bangs that had shifted over her eyes, feeling irritated. "Sorry guys but I can't. Mom decided to install a curfew now" she said, shaking her head.

"Aw jeez," Rei said with a satisfied look on her face. "That's just too bad, maybe next time. Do you want to still come with us Takashi?" Rei looked at him hopefully.

Rain felt he chest tighten a little as she looked at Takashi at the corner of her eye and saw that look on his face. He wanted to go with them but was unsure.

Takashi shook his head. "Maybe next time," he said. "I kind of promised Rain I'd walk her home today."

Rei shot a glare at Rai, who shrugged and ignored it.

Hisashi nodded, grinning slightly. "I get it. Anyway, have fun you two and don't do anything I wouldn't do!" He and Rei walked away, holding hands and laughing. Rain's face turned a light red at her friend's words.

Takashi looked at Rei's retreating back, letting out sigh. Rain saw the look in his eyes and averted her gaze, biting her lower lip. A few weeks ago Takashi had told her that he only liked Rei as a friend and was over the broken promise between them. Rain knew it was a lie as she could see it in his eyes and hear it in his tone, the smile never really reaching his eyes.

Rain shook her head and cleared her voice, giving her a mental shake. "So uh…" she started, gripping her school bag till the leather creased.

"Huh? Oh, yeah," Takashi said, coming out of his gaze. He flashed his trademark smile, which didn't have its usual light to it. "Sorry about that Rain but yeah, let's head out."

They left the school grounds in a slightly awkward silence, both having stuff on their minds. The streets were weren't that crowded but still had the occasional adult, kid or school student, heading home from the long day of work or studying.

Takashi had his arms behind his head as he walked with Rain, staring at nothing in particular.

Rain hummed softly, staring at the ground as she walked, dodging rocks and cracks in the ground. She missed the pothole in the sidewalk, too concentrated on the crack she had been following and the toe of her shoe caught and jarred her side. She cried out in pain as white hot pain erupted in her side. He bag dropped to the ground as she grabbed the back of Takashi's uniform to catch herself, pressing her hand against her side. The pain was so bad it nearly forced Rain to her knees.

"Rain, what is it?" Takashi asked, feeling her grip his jacket as she fell forward. He grabbed her by the hip, steadying her. "What's wrong? What's hurting?" His eyes scanned over her hunched form, seeing the pain in her face before dropping to her side. "Rain, how bad did she hurt you?" he asked slowly.

By mean 'she', Takashi meant her mother, an abusive drunk and whenever she drank, she was easily pissed off. Lately her favorite punching bag was Rain.

Rain took in deep breaths, hoping to ease the pain before letting out another painful hiss.

"Rain what happened?" he demanded. Rain cringed at his harsh tone. Takashi tightened his grip on her shoulders. "Answer me!"

"Takashi, stop! You're hurting me," Rain said, trying to keep her voice from shaking. She lifted up her shirt to reveal the bandages around her stomach and side. Takashi's eyes widen at the sight before narrowing again.

Rain continued before he spoke, "It was as dirty steak knife. Even drunk, she has a good aim." She pulled away his grip, dropping her shirt.

"How deep?" he asked finally. "Did you go to the emergency room?" Takashi could barely conceal the rage in his tone. He was the only one who knew about the beatings. Rain made him promise not to tell anyone else.

"Yes I did and I got thirteen stitches, too. Doctors told me I have to be more careful from now on. The blade almost hit my liver" Rain murmured.

"Rain, you can't stay there anymore!" Takashi yelled. "It's not safe and you know it!"

"I know that but I can't just leave!" Rain said irritably, swallowing down her anger as her hands formed into fists. "You know what will happen if I run. She'll send her body guards after me." She looked at him. "She already threatened to go after you, Rei and Hisashi. I don't want you getting hurt. I care about you too much, Takashi."

She scooped up her bag from the ground and pushed past him. Anger tears threatening to fall and she didn't want him to see it. Why can't he understand? She thought, tears spilling down her cheeks as she marched home, her glasses becoming spotty from the tears. I don't want him to get hurt.

"Rain, wait!" Takashi called out, rushing after her. A familiar worry welled in his chest as he grabbed her wrist gently, forcing her to stop. He watched her head lower, almost glaring at the ground. He felt frustrated and powerless, watching her get hurt by her mother. He feared that it would go too far and he would lose her. It scared him.

"Rain, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I yelled at you. I just lost it. I don't want you to get seriously hurt, more than this" he murmured. "I know you think you're protecting us by taking the blunt of it but…" He trailed off, struggling to find the words. He never had to go through this before with his friends and he didn't know how to handle it.

Rain closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his hand around her wrist and it was soothing and it sent a slight flutter through her stomach. She suppressed a shiver. "Takashi, please," she said finally, her voice just above a whisper. "Just let me go, alright?"

Takashi tightens his grip slightly and said, "Rain, I can't let you go. How can I? Not exactly knowing what kind of mood your mom is going to be in. What if she goes beyond the beatings? What if she tries to kill you?"

"It won't come to that," Rain said stubbornly. "I know how to handle myself, okay? So please let go of me. I got to go home now." She looked up at him and gently pried Takashi's fingers off her wrist and gave his hand a quick squeeze to reassure him, giving a small smile. "I'll see you at school tomorrow, okay?" She leaned up and kissed his cheek gently and turned, heading down the street.

Takashi blushed lightly at the kiss, staring after her. He had not been expecting that and it felt nice. His heart thumped, feeling confused. He couldn't have a crush on his friend.

Rain walked to her street and stopped at the small gate in front of her home. She turned and waved at Takashi before pushing the gate open and entered her home.

When Rain and her mother first moved here, the place was clean, airy and homey but now it ranked of stale booze and cigarette smoke. Bottles littered the floor with heaps of dirty clothes, clean clothes strewn about. Dirty plates stacked high on the floor, book shelves, coffee table and near the couch.

Rain sighed at the familiar smell of her rotting home, taking her shoes off at the entrance and stepped down from the threshold, entering the hallway. She had to watch where she stepped, not wanting to step on any glass. The blaring of the tv from the living room made Rain pop her head over the doorway, seeing the slumped figure of her mother on the couch. Her tank top had been yanked down, her giant breasts looking ready to pop out. It still amazed her how her mother could slide into the tank as it was two sizes too small for her and wore lacy white underwear.

Seeing this, Rain made a quiet beeline to her room and opened the door as quietly as she could, stepping into her safe haven. Bare walls greeted except for a single poster on her wall near her closet, Adam Lambert. He is her favorite singer, he was beautiful but also confident and wasn't afraid to be himself, unlike her. Rain sighed softly as she dropped her bag onto her bed and sat down next to it. She touched her bandaged side and winced, biting her lower lip again. It still stung like hell whenever she moved just right.

As much as she didn't want to do her homework, Rain pushed herself up from the bed and sat down at her desk, her chair creaking and swaying side to side. She knew it wouldn't last much longer. She pulled out her book and pencil, working on her papers for the next hour.

"Rain!" Camilla screeched from the living room. Rain sighed as she heard her mother woke up and thumped around in the living room, knocking over a stack of dishes in the process.

"Coming, mother," Rain answered and stood up from the chair, heading to the door and opened it, heading into the hallway. She stepped into the living room and duck in time as a glass bottle shattered against the wall where her head had been moments ago, the shattered pieces now littering the floor around her. She didn't have time to react before a second bottle hit her in the forehead. She stumbled back a little, groaning softly and cried out as her foot was soon pierced by a shard. "Fuck…!" she groaned and looked up, wincing as she stared at her mother.

"You stupid bitch!" Camilla ranted. "Where the hell where you? You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago!" Her crazed mother grabbed a knife this time and threw it at Rain, aiming at her chest. She twisted to the side, dodging as it sunk into the wall. "I had school!" she said, glaring. "Dammit, Camilla, I left a note on the fridge!" She ducked as a plate crashed against the wall, joining the broken shards on the ground.

The opened wound in Rain's foot burned, sending shots of pain up her body. She cried out, gritting her teeth as she dropped to her knees, trying to ease the pain.

Camellia stood up on shaky legs and rushed at Rain. She grabbed the back of Rain's head and slammed it against the wall.

Rain groaned in pain, her eyesight going blurry for a second. Her glasses clattered to the floor.

"Stupid slut!" Camellia yelled in a drunken stupor as she grabbed her daughter by the back of her skirt and lifted her off the floor, kicking her in the ass. "You're a mistake! Your father Abraham wouldn't have left if it wasn't for you!"

Rain landed on the ground, skidding over the floor, her stockings ripping in the process. She groaned and cried out in pain as Camellia kicked her in the side. She rolled away before her mother could kick her again. Body throbbing, she pushed herself into a half crouch, holding her side. She coughed and retched, tears building up in her eyes. "Dammit…are you trying to kill me!?" she moaned.

A creak in the floorboard made Rain turn to see her mother standing behind her, holding a butcher's knife. A crazed look in her green eyes, her lips pulled back into a sneer.

"Yes" Camellia giggled. "You're going to die tonight. You ruined my life." She said it so calmly without hiccupping or slurring her words. Rain felt fear pierce at her soul, eyes widening. Camellia never admitted to wanting to kill her before. This was something new.

"Die!" She screeched, raising the blade up and ready to plunge it into Rain's chest.

Rain reacted and kicked out at her legs, making the older woman halt her attack, stumbling. Even without her glasses, Rain manages to land a punch in her mother's stomach. The woman doubled over, holding her stomach.

Rain snatched her glasses up and ran to her room, wincing as her body throbbed from the pain in her foot and the rest of her body. She slams the door shut behind her, locking it. She panted heavily as she slid down the door, gulping down air. Her eyes closed, trying to calm her beating heart. She hadn't been this afraid for her life. What had pushed Camellia over the edge?

Tears ran down her cheeks and blurred her vision; Rain checked her foot and pulled out the shard of glass, tossing it into her garbage. She wished her uncle was still alive so he could help her handle her mother. She wished she had headed Takashi's warning.

She finally noticed the small blood trail that entered her room and took a closer at her cut foot. It would need stitches but she was too tired to care. Rain scooted over to her bed and grabbed the first aid kit and started to take care of her foot. The bleeding finally slowed down but the pain made her fully aware at how bad it was. She tied off the bandage and climbed into bed. Rain leaned forward and grabbed the knife her uncle had left her all those years ago and slipped it under her pillow. She wanted it in reaching distance in case Camellia somehow got in.

Rain felt exhausted and drained, laying down on her bed and curled up under the blankets. She just wanted to sleep and hoped for good dreams. She didn't bother with changing out of her school uniform and soon fell asleep, unaware of the new nightmare that would bring things crashing down around her and her friends.

To be continued…