A/N: Hey, I'm back! Since I'm going to be gone for the next few months due to a top secret ninja assassin job, I thought I'd upload this before I go. Hope you'll enjoy the story :D
Tomoe woke up to the sound of heavy pounding on the door. "Wake up you sleepy heads. It's 11 am already!"
The pounding continued even as Tomoe mumbled for them to go away.
"Okay... We're up. Now go away!" Tomoe called, effectively chasing the person away. The previous nights events came back to her as she took in the unfamiliar bedroom. Tomoe then tried to get up but both her arms were being held in place by... Aoi and Miyako who were sleeping on either sides of her. "Yo, rise and shine girls. Time to get up."
Miyako stirred and mumbled," Five mo' minutes, Tomoe-chan"
Aoi drowsily opened her eyes before she realised their positions and leaped out of bed. Apologising profusely with her head bowed. "Don't worry about it Azusa-kun. It was cold, we had no choice."
Another knock was heard. This time less violent. "Hachi? You guys awake?" Sumika peeked through a small opening in the doorway, "Oh, Aoi-san. Good morning."
"Good morning, Murasame-san." Aoi opened the door wider for Sumika to enter. She wore a pair of dark jeans and a white T-shirt, just like any other day without zombies strolling the roads of their town.
"How're you walking around?"
The taller girl grinned sheepishly while scratching the back of her head, "Not sure myself. But this morning, I felt a lot better."
"Right, where's Kazama-kun?" Tomoe asked from her position on the bed.
"She's trying to find something to wear. Most of my shirts are too big for her... Anyway, I thought you guys would want a change of clothes?" Sumika explained as she sat on the bed.
'The room smells just like Dad... Dad, Noe-san, the idiot triplets... I hope they're okay. Argh, no, I can't be miserable right now. Everyone must be worried about their own families. I can't be selfish.'
"Ah, that would be nice. Azusa-kun can go with you first. It'll take some time to wake this one up." Sumika nodded then rose. Walking over to the door with Aoi following closely behind.
"Are you alright, Miyako?" Tomoe asked as she crawled back into bed and hugged the girl close.
"What're you talking about?" Miyako mumbled, her eyes remained close as she snuggled into the embrace.
"You were crying in your sleep last night, Miyako."
At that, the smaller girl's eyes snapped open and immediately looked away.
Tomoe lifted a hand to her chin so she could look into her lover's eyes, "What did you dream of?"
"What do you think? After last night, how could I sleep soundly?"
"You're safe, Miyako. I'm here to protect you, as are our friends and the soldiers downstairs."
"It's not that... I was... I'm just worried about my dad."
"Ahh, I see. There's nothing you have to worry about there either. My family will take good care of him along with all the other servants and chaffeurs." Tomoe assured, "In fact, I don't think the zombies would've been able to make it past the fences and security forces. You know as well as I do what happens when someone tries to break into the Hachisuka household."
Miyako smiled, finally relaxing and returning the embrace.
"Also, after those explosions, my grandfather would've made it his top priority to get everyone in the mansion out of the city. They're probably in Tokyo sipping tea now. Right, Miyako?"
"You always know what to say, Tomoe-chan."
"I'm just saying what is in my heart."
"And what is it saying now?"
"It's saying that... I love you and I won't ever let you go." Tomoe grinned, bending down to capture her lovers lips in a passionate kiss.
In the other room.
"Kazama, can I come in?"
"Oh sure!" came the muffled reply. "Well, what do you think Sumi-chan? Oh Good morning Aoi-chan!" Kazama stood in the middle of the room wearing one of Sumika's black three-quarter pants that reached her ankles and a pale blue long sleeved shirt.
Sumika face-palmed, "Kazama, those sleeves are far too long! Are the pants too lose? Do you need a belt?" Sumika went to help fold Kazama's sleeves up while Aoi watched the pair's exchange with a small smile.
"Ah, Aoi-san. Go ahead and check out that pile over there. Those are the clothes that I can't fit into anymore so maybe you'll be able to find a suitable one there. Kazama, stop moving!"
"But it's more fun to be able to swing them around like this!" Ushio giggled, flipping the drooping ends of her sleeves in circular motions.
"Kazama!"
"Haha, just kidding, Sumi-chan!"
"Erm, Murasame-san? I think I'll borrow this. Is that alright?" Holding up a pair of jeans.
"Oh sure. Take whatever you want. As long as you can fit into them. What about a shirt?"
"Oh, I couldn't find anything so I'll stick with my uniform."
"Good morning everyone." Tomoe announced as she and Miyako marched through the doorway. "Got anything we could wear?"
"'Morning!" Aoi and Kazama said with bright smiles because for a moment there, everything felt normal. Had it not been for the bandages around Sumika and Tomoe and the slight tint of fear in their eyes, they could simply convince their minds that last night was just a dream and pretend there weren't armed soldiers downstairs. But pretending would only last that long.
"Hachi, I'm sure you can fit into most of my clothes so just take whatever you like. Though Miyako, I couldn't find many options for you..."
"It's okay. Anything's fine. I wasn't expecting much anyways."
Once they were all dressed, they made their way downstairs. In the dining room, food had already been laid out across the table. The four soldiers dashed back and forth the kitchen and dining room.
"Ah, Good morning ladies. You're all looking clean and refreshed! A good night's rest can go a long way!" Blitz grinned, holding a stack of plates, which he began laying out.
"Yo, pretty ladies! Hope ya'll dun mind us ransacking yo' kitchen!" Ray greeted, carrying a large bowl of rice.
"Good morning. I hope you've all rested well last night?" Kakashi exited the kitchen, drying his hands on a hand towel. The girls nodded. "That's good. Well, what are you all standing around for? Take a seat! Dig in!"
Once everyone was seated and chatting happily while eating, Shadow entered the room. All eyes were trained on him. Sumika watched him intently, her chest throbbed in memory of last night. Ray scooted over so that Shadow was seated directly in front of Kazama.
He kept his head down and his next words took all the girls by surprise, "Murasame-san, Tomoe-san, Miyako-san, I apologise for my behaviour last night. I promise something like that will never happen again."
Tomoe nudged Miyako in the ribs, "I... I would like to apologise as well. I said some things.."
"No. You spoke nothing but the truth. I made a calculation error while fighting and ended up being severely injured."
"Well, good to know all has been cleared." Kakashi smiled. Though he failed to notice the anger that flared in Sumika's eyes. Everyone ate happily. Blitz resumed his horrible flirting with Aoi and Miyako while Tomoe did her best not to join him.
Ray was complaining to Kazama about the food while Kakashi defended his cooking skills. Only Sumika and Shadow ate silently. Sparing each other a subtle glance every now and then. After breakfast, everyone helped to clear up except Sumika who dragged Shadow to the side, out of earshot.
Grabbing him by the collar and pushing him against the wall, she said in a low growl, "How do I know you won't try that again? You have a horrible temper. Why should I allow you to remain in this house?"
"Because, Miss Naive, my enemy isn't you. My enemy isn't any of you. My enemies are those wandering corpses outside. My enemy is the man who made them. I was in a bad mood last night, I agree. Unlike my comrades, I can't push the images of my falling comrades away so quickly." Shadow snarled in reply.
Sumika glared straight into his onyx eyes as he scowled back into her grey ones. Each tempting the other to back down. Finally, Sumika dropped her hold on his shirt. Giving him one last glower, she turned to move away when he spoke again, "I admire your strength Murasame." Stunned, she turned back to see if he was mocking her. He wasn't.
"I knew about your family since I was a little girl. It wasn't that hard to figure your technique out."
"I don't mean that. Sure, I am amazed at how well you took my attack. Heck, my friends thought you would be dead by morning and yet here you are. Perfectly healthy and fit. No, what I admire about you is your strength and determination to protect your friends." Shadow walked towards her and stopped beside her. Casting a sideways glance, "In some ways, I'm envious of you. You're willing and more than capable of defending your loved ones."
Sumika didn't know what to say. She was so childish to possibly think he would try and harm them again. He was an ally. Not an opponent. "Shadow, you face foes far more dangerous than the ones I do. Don't be so hard on yourself."
"I see the way you look at her." Shadow smirked cheekily at Sumika who blushed and panicked at the same time. "Don't worry, I had brothers who were gay too. I've seen many couples in my life but very rarely have I seen such a strong bond between two people. Does she know?"
Sumika sighed and shook her head.
"So you choose friendship over taking the risk of telling her?" Sumika nodded. "Murasame, I have one piece of advice for you: Don't wait until it's too late. Or you'll regret for all eternity." Patting her shoulder lightly, Shadow entered the dining room once more. Sumika followed soon after.
Everyone looked at the new comers with worried glances but the peaceful expressions on both Sumika and Shadow's faces put their minds at rest.
"As I was saying, my men and I will have to be moving on soon. As soldiers, we have to continue fighting." He took out a map from his uniform and laid in on the table in front of everyone. It was a map of their town.
"This is where we are." he pointed to the south of the map. "This was the lab where the scientist stayed." pointing to the northeast. "Meaning the centre and northern regions will have the most of the zombies as our Intel tells us."
"Don't you think your Intel would be slightly out-dated?" Tomoe asked.
"Yeah, they must've spread across the entire area already." Kazama continued.
"We have a radio girls, while you were sleeping this morning, we contacted our base and received new info and orders."
"New orders?" Sumika questioned.
"We will get to that later. First, I have to tell you what we found out this morning. This entire area has been put in quarantine. Last night, the military has surrounded this entire city. If you look outside, later. You should be able to make out the fence they have placed around the area.
"Behind this fence, they are planning on building a solid concrete wall. Construction has already begun. All civilians are to be evacuated immediately. Now our orders. Hearing that we were seeking refuge at a civilians house, we have been ordered to escort you 5 to the walls where you will be safe."
The girls were quiet. Each were thinking of their family members. Wondering whether they had already made it past the walls.
"Which is why I need you girls to use this day to prepare yourself. Bring only a few things: a change of clothes, whatever is precious to you and any medical supplies you have. We will take care of the food. We leave at 5 am tomorrow morning. So rest up and prepare yourself for the worst to come. It is going to be ugly out there."
"Sir? Shouldn't we teach them how to defend themselves?" Shadow proposed.
"Shadow's right Kakashi. It's four of us to five of them. We won't be able to protect them at all times." Blitz added.
"We may even find 'em civilians while travelling! It's juz four o'us."
Kakashi thought for a moment before, "Very well. Today, you pack your things and once you are done, meet back downstairs and we will teach you how to use a gun. Any questions?" Everyone shook their heads. "Dismissed."
The four men stood and walked over to the kitchen in search of more food while the girls moved upstairs to Sumika's room.
Each of the girls had a bag and they filled it themselves silently. After an hour or so, they all went back downstairs.
Shadow, Blitz, Ray and Kakashi all sat on one end of the long dining table. Weapons of all shapes and sizes were spread out across the table.
"Ladies, please take a seat." Shadow instructed. "I'll be teaching you how to fix up a gun, hold your gun and reload ammo. After that, you will all get one handgun each. First, do any of you have experience with a gun?" Tomoe and Miyako raised their hands.
"Oh that's good! Mind if you show me what you can do?" Tomoe and Miyako both stood up and were handed a gun each. Looking at Shadow, they awaited his order. "Dismantle the gun." Sumika watched, completely surprise as Tomoe and Miyako stripped the gun down to nothing within seconds. "Impressive!"
"Wow, honestly. Who are you girls? First Murasame takes Shadow's kick and lives and now you girls can dismantle a gun faster than some of the other guys I know!" Blitz laughed.
"Now, reassemble it. Since you two know how to handle a gun, I need each of you to teach one of your friends. I'll teach the one left over."
Everyone nodded and got to work. Miyako and Kakashi went with Kazama, Tomoe and Blitz with Aoi, leaving Shadow with Sumika. Everyone went to their own quiet corner.
Tomoe, Blitz and Aoi
"What do you mean you refuse to hold one?" Blitz grumbled.
"Azusa-kun, we don't know what's gonna happen out there. We need you to be able to defend yourself. The gun is not loaded. Yet." Tomoe assured.
"F-fine..." Cautiously, Aoi slipped her small hand around the cold metal grip.
"Oh sure, listen to your friend and not a trained and unbelievably handsome soldier!"
Miyako, Kakashi and Kazama
"Hey don't point that thing at me! That's dangerous, ya stupid or something? Miyako yelled. Kazama only laughed.
"Come on girls. Take this seriously. So here is the lever you push in order to remove the ammo. Like this. And then you take a new one and push it upwards like this. Then pull this part backwards to click the cartridge into place. And it is ready to use." Kazama watched carefully.
'I can't always rely on Sumi-chan. I need to be more independent' Kazama thought.
Sumika and Shadow
"This part is to secure the cartridge. Understand?" Sumika nodded.
"How do you shoot accurately?"
"Lift your arms like this and hold your gun at eye-level. Look straight ahead and aim a little higher than your target. It'll hit."
Sumika frowned. "Aim it higher than my target?"
"Yes. Or, just aim for the body - largest surface area."
"But you said we have to blast their brains to bits."
"That's to kill them. Sometimes, hindering their movement is more than enough. There are 2 rules you should follow when we're out there. Go with your instincts and do what's best to survive. You only have one life so you better guard it properly."
"I know. So what else can you teach me?"
Shadow smirked.
Several hours passed. The sun was setting outside. The zombie's were coming out in hoards under the shelter of the night when they all assembled in the dining room again.
Once everyone was seated, Kakashi spoke up, "Tonight will be dedicated to sharing every piece of information we have on the zombies. Blitz?"
"Alright. Listen up because I'm not going to repeat any of this. First, the zombies rely on their sense of sight and hearing to track down their victims. It is 100% confirmed that they do not have a sense of taste or smell. Next, there are many different types of zombies since they all have different strains of viruses.
"So far, we have identified 3 types. The first is nothing more than a mindless walking corpse. They move extremely slowly and their senses are very dull. You could walk straight past them without them even noticing you. They are at level 1 of danger.
"The next one is a faster, more agile zombie. You'll be able to tell them two apart by the colour of their eyes. The faster one has blood red eyes. It's at level 2 of danger because it has heightened eyesight and hearing. Although you could easily outrun them, it's best to stay away or take them down immediately.
"The third type is at danger level 3 because of its enhanced strength. It relies on its eyesight only. As long as it doesn't see you, you're safe. You'll be able to identify it due to its muscular decaying build.
"How to not become a zombie- the virus is transmitted by the zombie's saliva entering your blood stream. If you have any open injuries, cover them up securely. If you get bitten, tell one of us immediately. The zombie's aren't too fond of light, which is why very few come out during the day; they do come out, but they prefer not too. Questions?"
He was met with silence.
"Okay. Now we will be planning the shortest and safest route from here to the walls." Taking out the map again, Kakashi explained, "We are here and the walls are here. which means the wisest way would be to move towards the South. It is going to be a 2 day trek. Maybe 3-4 days depending on how fast we move. We travel by day and rest by night.
"The first thing we need to do once we leave this house is move towards this weapon shop. It is a little out of the way, but better safe than sorry. After we raid this shop, we head for this supermarket. Gather some lasting food and water before storing it all into a car. Now, any of you own a car nearby?"
All eyes turned to Sumika, "Well, my dad has a car but I don't think it'll fit all of us. Plus, it's pretty old and makes lot's of noises."
"Neighbours own a big car?"
"No."
"Guess we have no choice. There is a car rental yard right here. I am certain we can find an SUV there. However, we will need to split up into teams of four and five. Team 1 with 4 people will head to the car yard. Team 2 with 5 people will head to the supermarket and gather all the supplies we require for the journey. Any further questions?"
"Who's going to be in which team?" Sumika asked, worried she'd be separated from Kazama. That was by far the last thing she wanted right now.
"Team 1 will be Kazama, Taema, Blitz and Ray. Blitz, you drive. Ray, do not blow up the car yard. Kazama and Taema, support them. Team 2 will be Murasame, Azusa, Hachisuka, Shadow and myself. No complaints about the teams. It will only be for half an hour. I am unsure of what lurks in the supermarket which is why our team is bigger. Any other questions? No? Good, because I have a few questions for you. How many of you know Karate?"
Sumika, Tomoe, Miyako all raised their hands.
"How many of you think you can fight off those zombies should they come too close?"
Miyako's hand dropped.
"Anyone else who can fight?"
No one moved.
"Anyone knows how to drive?"
Tomoe raised her hand.
"Alright then. Tomoe and Murasame. You two will be the leaders should anything happen to us. Here is a spare map with our route highlighted already. You girls all packed?"
"Yes." They nodded.
"Got candles, matches, lighters, torches, spare clothes, medical supplies, some snacks, ermm" Blitz asked.
"Ropes, daggers, blankets, watches, erm those thingies you use to tie your hair up-" Ray continued.
"Speaking of hair, I think it would be wisest if you girls have your hair tied up." Shadow insisted.
"Juz make sure ya all got everythin you need. 'Cuz we ain't stoppin once we start movin!"
"He's right. No unnecessary stops."
"Yeah yeah. You boys repeated yourself enough times." Miyako mumbled
"We got it." Sumika said
"We'll prepare dinner since you guys prepared breakfast." Kazama politely added. She moved towards the kitchen and Sumika quickly moved to follow her.
"No no no, Murasame-kun. We can't have you exploding our dinner." Tomoe grinned. Sumika was about to say something but decided not to.
"I'll help!" Aoi said as she rushed behind Tomoe and Kazama.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sumika glowered, pulling Miyako by the back of her collar.
"What do you think you're doing you big giant! Lemme go!"
"You're as bad as me! No way will I allow you to poison our dinner!"
"POISON? I wasn't the one who invented explosive food!"
"Explosive food? Fuck yeah! Ya not shittin me right gal? Damn, Murasame. Ya continue to impress me!" Ray cackled. "Come 'ere. Lemme teach ya howdah make a bomb with recycle materials!"
With nothing better to do, Sumika and Miyako half-heartedly listened to Ray talk about all the possible materials one could use to make a bomb.
The other men started sorting out their equipment. Ray, Sumika and Miyako shortly joined them after their explosive lesson ended. Bored, Sumika learnt more about the different types of guns. The recoil power, reload time, etc.
"Remember, the best thing to rely on, are your own fists! They never run out of ammo!" Shadow announced.
"We could use your help everyone. If you don't mind." Aoi called shyly from the kitchen. Everyone moved to help out but Shadow beckoned Sumika to stay behind.
"With 7 people helping, doubt 2 more would make much of a difference."
"But-"
"Tell me Murasame, what do you think's going to happen out there?"
"What do you mean? We'll obviously make it to the wall where our families are waiting." As Sumika spoke the words, a part of her felt as if she was just blabbering nonsense.
"Heh, kids will be kids... That Azusa girl. You should talk to her."
"Why?"
"Because, earlier, she didn't want to hold a gun. Once she's out of this house, she's going to freak out. No doubt about it."
"Aoi-san will be fine. She's not as weak as you think!"
"Relax, I'm just saying. I quite like you so I didn't see any reason to hold back my honest thoughts."
Sumika sighed, "She'll be fine. This is all new to us. Of course it'll take some time to get used to it."
"Get used to all the blood, gore and violence? You never get used to it Murasame. You haven't even left this house yet."
Sumika just smiled slightly.
"So... how's your girl?" Shocked, Sumika clamped his mouth shut and look towards to kitchen to see if anyone heard. Relieved, she slowly released him, "Geez, no need to get so worked up!"
"Why do you keep pestering me about that?"
"Because I've been watching her and I think-"
"Shadow-san have you seen Sumi-cha- Ah, Sumi-chan there you are!"
"Gah, Kazama! Erm-"
"What's taking so long? I'm hungry." Shadow grumbled, earning himself a jab in the ribs from Sumika.
"Ungrateful idiot." Sumika muttered.
Kazama smiled at their exchange, "We're making rice balls since I didn't know what else I could prepare. So everyone's helping to roll them up. I noticed that Sumi-chan wasn't there so I..."
"I see. Well, guess we should help out after all eh?...Sumika?"
Raising an eyebrow at his sudden use of her first name, Sumika replied, "Yeah. We should."
Shadow grinned broadly and moved to the kitchen. Shortly after, Blitz and Ray were heard screaming profanities at Shadow.
"Oh gosh, what did he do now?" Sumika asked no one in particular, "Shall we, Kazama?"
Kazama was lost in her thoughts and barely heard what Sumika but said, "Oh right. Of course."
'He called her Sumika. Yesterday, he called her Murasame. And those two even went off on their own earlier today... He also chose to teach her how to use a gun this afternoon...Those two seem like they're getting along really well.' Kazama thought, 'Why am I even worried about that? Shadow-san is probably just trying to make up for what he did last night.'
In the kitchen, Blitz, Ray and Shadow were wrestling on the floor with Miyako cheering them on. Kakashi was failing miserably at trying to separate them, Tomoe looked bored and Aoi tried her best to stay away.
"What in the world is going on here?" Everyone paused momentarily to look at Sumika who stood taller than everyone at the moment. Giving Kakashi the opportunity to pull Ray and Blitz away from Shadow.
"Why are you guys such childish idiots? We have limited food and what do you do? Throw them at each other! No dinner for you three!" Kakashi ordered. Looking extremely frazzled and irritated. "I do not want to hear your stupid complaints about who started it! Clean up this mess and apologize to the girls!"
"Sorry..." they mumbled together.
"Ah, Kakashi-san, I actually cooked extra rice and we have some leftover salmon and..."
"Since Kazama is being so kind, you boys will get to eat rice balls. And ONLY rice balls with nothing else. No fillings, no sauces, nothing."
"Whaaaaa?" Blitz whined.
"Then it's got no fucking taste!"
"Hn"
"Be grateful you get to eat at all! If we were back at base, I'd have you starve for weeks!"
"Heh, no problem for those two seeing as Ray would eat his own explosives and Blitz would be stupid enough to follow suit." Shadow cackled.
"Shadow..." Kakashi glowered, ignoring the other 2 who started screaming at Shadow again.
While this was all going on, the girls had finished all the preparations and moved the food to the dining room where they sat and chatted with each other. Once the girls had finished eating, 2 grumbling soldiers, 1 sulking one and an irritated commanding officer finally joined them. Politely excusing themselves, the girls headed back upstairs. Eager for a good nights rest.
"Good night." Sumika and Kazama said as they entered their room.
"Night." the others replied, moving into their own room.
"Tomoe-chan, let me change those bandages."
"Ah, yes please Miyako. Thank you. Azusa-kun, you can go ahead and sleep. We may take some time." Tomoe winked resulting in Aoi complaining about privacy and subtlety of Yuri romance.
Sumika's room
"Sumi-chan? Could I sleep with you again tonight?" Kazama asked hopefully. She had only just finished dressing Sumika's wounds that have scabbed up nicely.
"Of course, Kazama." Scooting over to give her best friend some room.
"Sumi-chan?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think my brother, your brothers, dad and Noe-san are alright?"
"Yes."
"Well, I-I'm a little worried about them. Especially my brother. H-he's the only thing I have left in this world beside you guys and.. the thought of never seeing him again is just..."
"You will see him again, Kazama." Sumika said firmly.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Your brother is a smart man. Remember what Kakashi-san said? The zombies came from the North east. And it took them some time to spread down here. We saw our first zombies 10-20 minutes after those jet planes flew past. Which means your brother had that much time to find a safe place to hide in before the zombies first appeared. And with that creative mind of his, I'm sure he made sense of the situation and acted accordingly. He's probably built his own fortified barracks by now and is busy saving others, don't you agree?"
Kazama's smile grew and grew until she was once again her usual beaming self, "You're right, Sumi-chan. I feel much better now." she continued to smile as she fit herself snugly against Sumika.
"That's great. Good night then Kazama." Sumika yawned, encircling her arms around the shorter girl without second thought.
"Do you like Shadow?" the question caught Sumika off guard.
"Wha-why would you think that? No. I don't! N-no way!" Sumika stuttered. Kazama hid her troubled face from Sumika's. Afraid of what Sumika may see in her expression.
'Why am I feeling this way? What is this feeling anyway?' Ushio wondered.
"Good night Sumi-chan."
"Hey, aren't you going to explain the sudden question?"
Kazama shook her head.
"Ahhh, fine. Sweet dreams Kazama."
'I love you. There is no way in hell I would ever feel any sort of attraction for another human being. But what caused you to ask that so suddenly? She even sounded a little... upset. NO. Don't do this to yourself Sumika! We're leaving tomorrow and you can't afford to be distracted. At all!'
A/N: Hope this chapter didn't bore you to death... Next chapter: more action, more zombies and a little touch of jealousy. Please leave a review!