HOTD: When hell Opens its Gates

by ThePointMan89

When the world ends, the group must find a way to live in a place where the dead reign supreme. And with the help of someone who's life has been bathed in battle, will they survive or fall to the ranks of the dead. Follows Main group with addition of OC. WARNING WILL BE GRAPHIC: blood, gore, language, and maybe lemons sometime down the line. (SaekoXOC, ReixTakashi, SayaXHirano)

3. Chapter 3

Author POV

Gabriel didn't make it very far as the truck had more damage to the engine than he had hoped for. He drove for about 10 blocks just enough to put some distance between him and the Black Dragon Forces. It was then that the truck had finally broke down by overheating the engine and Gabriel found himself once again walking. His body ached all over and his limbs felt heavy. He worried that there might be permanent damage to some on the ligaments especially the ones in his elbows and arms. But he knew that now wasn't the time or the place to rest rest he had to find shelter. The landscape was now filled with the undead, and he found it difficult to avoid the hunting grounds of the infected. Killing what was needed but evading if he could, which was becoming increasingly more difficult as he moved deeper into the city. He kept as close to the edge of the street which was lined with tall buildings keeping his eyes constantly moving scanning the windows looking for any signs of movement. The last thing he needed was for someone to take a pop shot at him and fuck up his already fucked up day. He made a mental note to stay relaxed, a tense body can't move very fast and his aching joints wouldn't like the extra stress either so staying relaxed would serve a double purpose. He approached the corner of the street and what he saw was nothing short of horrific.

It was a fourway street corner that now resembled a warzone, complete with a little taste of hell. Several cars were ablaze and skewed at angles in the middle of the intersection. Bodies lay sprawled along the road, their blood, bone and organs taking residence on the asphalt. The ground was stained crimson and shell casings by the hundreds could also be seen glinting in the sun. It didn't take a genius to see that this was the scene of a vicious firefight that had taken place. Gabriel scanned the intersection and saw that directly across from him to his right was a sandbag bunker and behind it was a machine gun emplacement positioned so that it would be able to cover the entire intersection. That wasn't all he saw, bodies dressed in full combat fatigues resembling those of the Japanese Self-defense force littered the area. Gabriel could only imagine the kind of horde was responsible for this attack, to overrun a stationary gun manned by competent soldiers mean that it must've been a very large one. But something was missing. Gabriel saw there were only around 30 bodies or at least what was left of them, it would be hard to believe that an emplacement such as this was overrun by a pack that small. So if the gun was overrun the pack would've had to be much larger but where were the bodies? Gabriel finished the thought before immediately coming to a grim realization, that the pack must be somewhere but where and how close? Gabriel instantly raised his rifle and entered his alert mode. He then cautiously moved from his position on the street corner and began approaching the machine gun bunker with extreme caution. His arms were heavy and sore from the constant fighting but he kept them steady. If he needed to shoot anything he was going to need his aim to be steady as a rock. As he approached the bunker he was able to see more of the carnage that took place there. The stench of blood reached his nose, only to be drowned out but the smell of rotting corpses. The body of a young soldier sat propped up against the wall a hole in his head where a bullet had passed through ending his life. He was staring directly at Gabriel sending shivers down his spine, creepy he thought to himself as he scanned the emplacement searching for anything that was supposed to be dead but wasn't. he found none and continued his search. He saw that the front doors were open into the building that the bunker was residing in and he decided that it would be best to try to find somewhere to rest. His body was broken, he was running on no sleep or food and needed shelter before he could continue or else he knew that if shit hit the fan he was in deep shit.

He then quickly scavenged the bodies for anything he found useful. He hated taking from the dead, especially soldiers but he also knew that scavenging can save your life. His search proved valuable as he found 2 fragmentation grenades and two mercury flares. He was disappointed however when he didn't find a satellite phone. No doubt HQ would be wondering what the hell was taking him so long to report in.

After he was finished he made his way into the office building. The lobby was of basic layout, front desk took up the center which was surrounded by luxurious furnishings that painted the room. There was a door labeled STAIRS to his immediate right and various couches and chairs took residence on the other side of the lobby. It was obviously an office building and from what Gabriel could tell a very luxurious one at that. He couldn't help but be in awe of the lavish fixtures and furniture and he actually caught himself wondering what it would be like to work in a building like this. Then he came to his senses and realized he was thinking crazy and went back to being a soldier. Almost immediately he noticed something strange, all the bodies were outside. From what he could tell there were no traces of infected inside the building, no blood splatter, no errant limbs scattered around, and defiantly no odor of rotting flesh. Intesting he thought as he kept his weapon at the ready, if such a large conflict happened just outside of this place then why are there no bodies inside, what would keep them out of this building?

Gabriel felt the hair on the back of his neck rise as he came to the realization that there must be some of the Dead nearby, or at least something or someone who had taken out the dead. His eyes trained down the barrel of his rifle he felt the sweat roll down his head. Then he moved quick and low to the opposite side of the lobby and scanned the room with his rifle. The opening to the corridor was illuminated by a series of large chandeliers. He paused at the opening before starting down the corridor staying to the right side of the wall hugging the wall. He got about 50 feet down the corridor before he finally came to a 90 degree bend that made a right and led straight out into the street. Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief as he realized that he was alone. Thank god maybe I can get some rest now he thought to himself as he made his way back to the lobby.

Gabriel cautiously climbed the stairs that were in the lobby and made his way to the roof. There he did his best to survey the surrounding area which wasn't very hard given the fact that not only was he on top of the tallest of the surrounding buildings but that also the area he was in was mostly a residential district with small surrounding shops. He did however notice two things one the first being that there was a very large house on top of a hill to the northeast of him and about 5-7 miles away, and the second being that he still had his little kid tendencies because about two streets over to his left was a gas station, but that gas station seemed to have a very large propane filling station directly behind it. Gabriel guessed it had to carry at least 200 gallons or more of propane, and he realized he had the urge to blow the tank sky high. He huffed in frustration as he realized quickly that it would be a bad idea bringing a lot of unneeded attention to the area. But still he couldn't lie to himself he really, really wanted to do it.

Gabriel gazed into the setting sun that was slowly drifting behind the ocean. The light given off turned the landscape and orange tint and the shadows grew. The dead's moans filled the calm air and Gabriel found it hard to stay focused as he eyes suddenly became very heavy. He needed sleep, his body needed to repair itself from the constant fighting. His whole body ached from head to toe and he was finding pains in places he didn't even know he had. His stomach growled in protest, he needed food as well but he had given out the last of his MRE's the night before and all that was left was a little bit of water, and some jack Daniels. He quickly pulled out the water and downed it, when the liquid hit his stomach it felt as if he was swallowing stones. Fuck im hungry he thought to himself. Realizing that risking going out into the open to look for food in the dark would be foolish, he decided that getting some sleep would be the best option. He took off his rucksack and propped it against the concrete ledgering on the building's roof. Then he checked the metal door that led down the stairway to make sure it was closed and that it couldn't be opened by the dead without making some serious noise. When he was satisfied he laid his rifle and his sword next to each other beside him, checked his pistols to make sure they had full magazines and were cocked and locked, he then laid down using the rucksack for a makeshift pillow closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Next Morning

Gabriel woke late in the morning sleeping without a stir for the entire night. He guessed it was around 11:00 in the morning and it was still warm given that summer was just around the corner. He sat upright and instinctively flexed his muscles and was rewarded with good news, the Pain In his body he shifted from extremely painful, to a slightly extremely painful Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, the type of soreness that occurs after a hard workout, which meant that his body was repairing itself and that there was a good chance that none of the major ligaments or tendons had any lasting or permanent damage. He was however still in a good deal of pain and he was still currently very hungry. He rubbed his neck before finding his feet and rising up stretching his arms over his head. His muscles were stiff and he moved around to unlock his joints and get blood flowing into his limbs. The sky was a bright blue overhead and the sun was bright, a light breeze was blowing offering some escape from the burning sun. "fuck me" he said as he gritted his teeth from the discomfort as he rose to his feet and looked out over the rooftops before picking up his gear and suiting up. After he was finished he walked to the edge of the roof and surveyed his surroundings. He flipped the optic on his rifle to the 3x magnification peered thru the scope only to be rewarded with the same landscape as before, complete stillness except for the roaming of the dead. Gabriel sighed, and lowered his weapon only to be stopped halfway by the sound of gunfire. The report was barely audible and echoed throughout the city, reverberating off the walls of the buildings as the sound waves ripped through the air. Gabriel used the time between shots as a gauge to how far the gunfire was coming from as well as the general direction which was coming from his left. He could tell by the amount of gunfire and the different tones and pitch from the report that multiple weapons were being used, which meant multiple people or a group. Gabriel hoped the it wasn't the black dragons as he was still in a fragile condition, but what he saw not only took the wind out of him but also made him forget all his pains and suddenly he felt his throat tighten and his heartbeat quicken. Purple, he saw Purple hair

Gabriel POV

"FUCK!" I yelled as I immediately grabbed my gear and bolted out door and down the stairs. Adrenaline pumping I could barely feel my legs as I booked it down the stairs as fast as I could. I slung my rifle onto my back and consciously told myself to keep my arms pumping. It has to be her! I thought to myself as I neared the bottom of the stairs. I wasted no time as I kicked the crash bar on the door in front of me. The door flung open with destructive force as it was almost broke off the hinges. Shit that probably got someone's attention I told myself as I broke through the door of the building and ventured outside. I paid absolutely no attention to the undead as I ran at full speed through the lifeless streets, the vacant shops and parked cars becoming a blur, as my legs propelled me as fast as I could go toward the direction that I had seen Saeko. My chest was filled with anticipation, questions of her safety were swirling around my head, but mostly I knew she was in trouble. That the entire group was in trouble and they needed my help.

The gunfire was progressively getting louder as the reports became quicker, the product of an increase in the infected ranks. I found myself wondering how many of themwere attacking. I turned left onto a street that looked to lead directly toward the gunfire. It was a large street 4 lanes wide with tall buildings on both sides creating sort of a tunnel effect blocking out the sunlight casting a shadow on the road. At the end was a dead end with a short fence that acted as a barrier to the street the laid below it. I kept running at top speed toward the fence. I had no idea what laid beyond it but I did know that the sound of battle was coming from whatever laid on the other side and that was all the incentive I needed. I un-holstered my handguns mid stride as I neared the fence which was about 3 feet tall and was constructed on three steel bars laid horizontally, fixed on vertical posts driven into the concrete which looked to be at 5 foot increments. Legs pumping, lungs burning, determination high I hit the fence in stride leaping onto the top railing, my right leg taking the shock of the maneuver, I then loaded my leg muscles by bending at the knee and pushing off with all my might vaulting into the air bringing the carnage that lay before me into view.

Author POV Hirano Location inside Humvee Atop Gun Port

shit this is bad, this is very fucking bad! Hirano thought as he reloaded his AR-10 and began firing into the incoming horde. More disfigured bodies filling the street by the second. The group consisting of, Takashi, Rei, Saya, Saeko, Miss Shizuka, a little girl they had rescued a few hours ago named Alice, a dog Zeke and himself had been traveling toward Saya's house in a newly acquired Humvee that they had taken from Miss Shizuka's Friends home the night before, when suddenly hundreds of the dead had appeared and forced them to take a turn onto a road that had 20 foot walls constructed on both sides creating somewhat of a trench in which they were located in. not only that but a wire fence 15 feet high of some sort had been strung from one side of the street to the other effectively boxing them in leaving them in a text book FUBAR situation. They were trapped and with little ammo. And to add to the quickly deteriorating situation, Rei had been flung from the roof of the Humvee landing squarely on her back. The good news was that she was at least conscious bad news was that she wasn't moving very fast.

Hirano paused only to reload another magazine and assess the situation. He was stationed on top of the Humvee providing as much cover fire as he could, Takashi had grabbed a shotgun that they had confiscated and was now standing by Rei pumping shells into the horde, meanwhile Saeko was pummeling the heads with her practice sword taking down multiple zombies down at a time. She was advancing through the horde attacking it head on. Alice, Shizuka and Zeke were taking refuge within the Humvee. Hirano went back to doing what he did best, the last few hours had proven to him what he was good at, that being killing zombies with precision fire from his rifle. However his efforts were in vain and he knew it. Sooner or later he was going to run out of ammo, and no matter how good of a swordsman Saeko was, she was still human and would eventually tire out, and Takashi although he could hold his own in a melee, his inexperience with firearms was showing as even with a shotgun his marksmanship abilities were only just above nil. What they needed was a fire-team of Marines with a full suppression load out, and maybe even a "danger-close" airstrike.

His weapon clicked empty, as he felt the recoil against his shoulder. The Smell of rotten flesh and gunpowder reaching his nose, his ears ringing from the blasts of the rifle, he felt his pockets looking for another magazine, to his horror finding none. "I need a mag" he yelled into the Humvee, not fully confident that Alice or Shizuka knew what he was talking about.

"Here you go Khota-Chan" Alice said meekly "is it one of these?" she asked tears streaming down her face, a look of defeat glazed over her eyes.

Hirano couldn't help but force a smile as he cursed himself for not being able to protect this little girl with whom he was already beginning to feel an attachment too. "Yes thank you" he said as he took the Magazine and pat her head "You're helping so much" he smiled at her.

Alice eyes lit up, it wasn't much, but it was enough "I'll see if I can find more" she said as she disappeared into the Humvee

Goddamnit, please help us, anyone Hirano Begged as he slammed the magazine home and released the bolt anyone. As soon as he finished the thought his eyes caught onto something, something abnormal, he took his eyes away from the scope on his rifle so he could get a better look at it. What he saw astounded him and suddenly his chest filled with excitement for what he saw was a man, and not just any man, the same man who had performed almost the exact same jump just a couple days before and although the man was at a distance, Hirano just knew exactly who it was, Gabriel had found them.

Gabriel POV

I felt my body move without me telling it to, everything based on instinct and reaction. My right foot planted on the top of the handrail, I felt my knees bend, blood coursing through my veins loading the muscle fibers then exploding through the balls of my feet throwing me into a 45 degree vault into the air. I straightened my body and extend my arms as I took a look at the hell I just threw myself into. The dead were congregating by the hundreds it seemed. To my left I saw Takashi who was behind a rifle lying in the prone position, using Rei's body as a rest who was flat on her back. She looked to be in a great deal of pain. I also noticed that the only thing Takashi was hitting with that rifle was hopes and dreams and clean air as none of the dead fell after he would break a shot. To the right of them a Humvee was parked, Hirano was standing tall in the gun port on top and was picking off Zombies with extreme precision, but no matter how many he put down another would just take his place. My gaze quickly swept the area looking for Saeko, I allowed a tenth of a seconds worth of panic before my eyes caught her. She was located directly in front of me, I did a quick calculation of my trajectory and found that when I landed it would be about 2 feet in front of her; I just hoped she would see me in time before I landed so that I wouldn't have the pleasure of being hit with her practice sword. I could tell that she was in trouble and soon to be surrounded, while she was deadly efficient with that sword, a wooden one had its limitations and it was showing.

I tucked and let my feet take me end over end, for as soon as I landed I knew shit was going to hit the fan. I gripped my pistols tightly as I emerged from my midair roll noticing a zombie wandered into my LZ. My right foot would hit first on the zombies upper chest, followed by my left a little lower but directly on the sternum. My momentum carried me downward as the Dead's body slammed into the pavement braking the sternum and chest plate instantly. I wasted no time as I brought both handguns to bear and aimed one gun at each of the eyes, and fired. The result was two exit wounds that blew out the back of the skull blowing brain matter and bone across the tarmac. I found myself in a crouched position and turned 180 degrees to try to get a bead on Saeko Position which I knew was close. Once I turned I saw her standing directly behind me practice sword raised eyes wide, blood covered her clothes and a look of horror crept onto her face.

"Gabriel?" her voice full of confusion and concern. I saw her body tense up at the sight of my face but then slowly fade back into normal as I flashed her grin. I was about to speak when I saw the lingering silhouette appear behind her

"Duck" I said calmly, a heartbeat went by before she finally registered what I had said and she immediately dropped to a knee revealing the abomination that crept up behind her blind spot. I centered my sights and pulled the trigger effectively dropping the beast. I rose from the crouching position slid over next to saeko and began firing into the crowd of zombies. Saeko wasted no time in dropping onto my flank and unleashing hell onto any walking corpse that was within her range.

"Duck!" I heard Saeko yell from my right. I dropped down and spun to my right. Saeko executed a horizontal strike that slammed into the forehead of a zombie that I hadn't seen that had gotten a little too close to me. Her wooden sword passing over my head by no more than an inch. Our bodies moved in tandem, we didn't have to guess, we didn't have to speak we just moved. The countless hours of training together coming to a whole in that moment of chaos with every movement, every strike, and every round fired the dead dropped in droves. I felt my chest tighten and adrenaline flow through my veins.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" she yelled as she brought her sword down on the head of an infected.

"Good to see you too Saeko" I yelled back as I delivered a plant kick to the chest of and infected then followed with a shot to the head. "Looks like you can use a hand" I replied with a smile.

"Now you wanna help?" she said her voice full of animosity

"See that's what I've always loved about you, you're so cute when you're mad" I said teasing

Saeko glared at me with eyes that would burn through titanium. I could tell by the way she tensed up that she really wanted to bring that practice sword down on my head, but instead she just went back to bashing the already dead's head into mush.

We continued combat maneuvers attempting to put space between ourselves and the advancing horde. Our fight had led us to be pushed back to the Humvee where the others were fighting. I could tell almost immediately that we were going to be overrun if we didn't do something soon.

"Gabriel glad to see you can join us!" Takashi yelled in between shots. He was still lying prone over Reis broken body.

"Reloading!" I yelled as I threw away the magazines and inserted fresh mags my handguns. I released the slides and began firing. However with every dead I dropped fresh ones took their place. And Saeko took notice.

"damnit these things don't stop coming do they!" she yelled

"Fuck, we have to do something quick I'm running low on ammunition." I responded in between shots. "How you doing up there Hirano?" I yelled back after firing another well placed 45 caliber slug into an infected eye socket.

"Only got two mags left and the shotgun is dry." His voice void of confidence "we need to do something quick, if you got a plan now would be the time to do it.

"I'm thinking!" I yelled as I switched to my tomahawks to conserve ammo then realized that my sword would be more useful if it was actually taking part in the battle. "Saeko!" I yelled as I dismembered the head of two infected with one horizontal strike, splitting the neck revealing a split trachea. I looked at saeko who glanced in my direction, our eyes met and I found myself suddenly being taken aback at her beauty. Even in battle it was enough to rattle my nerves.

"What do you want?" she said obviously still angry at me for my earlier comment.

"I think you need an equipment upgrade!" I said as I pulled the sword from its sheath and tossed it toward her. Her eyes went wide as it tracked the sword through the air. She was already mid strike with her practice sword before I threw my sword to her, she allowed her momentum to carry her as her practice sword made contact with and infected head exploding it like a watermelon getting hit with a sledgehammer. I watched in awe as she gracefully took one step forward then used the slumping of the unfortunate member of the dead she just dispatched to propel herself upward into the air catching the sword by the hilt in midair doing a summersault and bringing he blade down on another splitting the body in half. I watched as a thin smile appeared on her face

"Nice craftsmanship" she said barely audible due to the chaos of the fight but I was able to just make out her words

"You know I only use the best" I replied smirking

"I can see that" she responded as she decapitated several bodies slicing through their abdomens.

I let out a grunt of approval and turned my focus to the dead in front of me. The horde was growing and fast and I only had a few more magazines for each of my handguns left so I holstered them and retrieved my tomahawks. "Hirano I need a Sit Rep!" I yelled as I readied my stance. A line of the undead moving slowly toward my position. I bolted forward taking and overhand swing bringing the blade down through the skull of and infected, then reversed my stance, pivioted on my right foot and swung backhanded using the pick side of the tomahawk and embedded it into the skull of the infected behind him. With a jolt I dislodged the "hawk" tooe step back then turned to face another infected using and upward slash catching another just under the chin splitting the frontal lobe in half. The body slumped over in its own gore. I wasted no time in bring the Hawk in my other hand horizontally, the strike was so fast that I felt almost no resistance as the blade cut through the throat of the unlucky bastard and split the spinal column in two. Electrical impulses immediately cease to function and the body dropped.

"I'm down to my last mag, Takashi is also out of ammunition and Rei needs immediate medical attention, she looks pretty bad I'll be surprised if she can walk. Shizuka and Alice are safe for now in the Humvee but if we can repel these fucks it won't matter." He paused, I noticed a quiver in his voice, and he was beginning to get overwhelmed. "They just keep coming!" he yelled to me he was panicked.

"Here take this!" I yelled to him as I removed my rifle from my back and backtracked to the Humvee. I handed the rifle up to him and what was left of my ammunition "If you lose this I will personally kill you myself!" I said with a grin. Hirano took the rifle from my hands simply nodded and reloaded the weapon. A black stare overcame his face and I would swear I made out a thin smile. "Now I want you to keep those monsters away from Takashi and Rei. I'm going to find us a way out of this!" I paused before looking over to Saeko, who was systematically dismembering any unlucky infected to get within her range which being the skilled swordsman she was impressive to say the least. "Saeko, reposition yourself and help Hirano keep those bastards off of Takashi and Rei" I yelled over to her expecting some sort or retort, but it never came to my relief. She simply nodded and ran over to where Takashi and Rei were located. "Takashi, get Rei inside the Humvee!" I ordered.

"But she cant move I think she-"Takashi began to protest

"Either you move her, or she dies!" I responded angrily

"Takashi it's alright, with your help I should be able to get up" Rei suddenly said. She raised her hand and placed it on Takashi's face gently guiding his eyes into hers "Please, Help me up" she said as she grunted in pain.

Takashi only nodded as he gripped her hand. "What we need is a Distraction of some sort, something loud!" Takashi yelled out of anger of the situation. My mind flashed with the memory of the large propane tank that I had seen while I was on top of the building during the morning. And suddenly I had a plan, it was crude and it was overly dangerous, but given the situation it was our only option. The horde was advancing and even though me and Saeko could probably fight our way out, given the circumstances of the rest of the group, if we left they would be torn to pieces.

"Seako!" I yelled as I sliced my tomahawk through and infected. "I have a plan!"

"Oh yeah what's your great plan?" she responded as she was splitting an infected head in two.

"Hirano, once I give the signal I want you to immediately stop firing and get down into the Humvee and don't make a fucking sound, Saeko I want you inside as well!"

"But Gabri-"Hirano began to speak but I quickly cut him off

"That's and Order!" I yelled at him effectively shutting him up. He nodded and complied.

"What the fuck are you thinking?" Saeko protested, a look of shock was spread across her face.

"Trust me" I said as I pulled the grenades from my chest. I was about to prime them but just before I pulled the pins I felt someone grab my arm and forcefully spin me around. It was Saeko and she was staring into my eyes, her angered look replaced by a worried expression

"Gabriel no-"she began to speak

I cut her off "look, it's the only way. I found you once I'll do it again" I said as I peered into her eyes. I tried me make my voice as soothing as possible.

"I'm going with you"

"Like Hell you are," I said sternly "look It will be easier if I go alone, besides you need to be here to protect the group should things go south." I paused as I glanced over to the horde that was advancing slowly but was now only about 10 yards away from us.

Saeko looked as if she was going to say something but she never did she just nodded and lowered her head averting her gaze from my eyes. I instinctively took a step toward her closing the distance to mere inches; she did not move or try to shy away from my advance. "I will find you" I finally said resisting the urge to embrace her.

I felt her tense up as she looked back into my eyes with a pained expression, her mouth opened a little as if to speak but instead she turned and began walking back to the Humvee. By now Takashi and Rei were seated inside the armored vehicle and Hirano was still firing into the crowd. "Don't die" she finally said cocking her head slightly so that I could only see a portion of her face.

"I'd only allow you the honor Saeko"

She hesitated at my response and I smiled back at her and watch as she climbed into the Humvee. I could see through the windows as she sat in the back and glanced toward me. I smiled as I turned from view and looked at Hirano "on my Mark" I said as I pulled the pins from the grenades and let them fall to the floor, a metallic clinking sound echoed even through the moans of the Dead. I turned toward the Horde and rolled the first grenade at the feet of the infected. It bounced a few times and went about 15 yards in front of me and disappeared from view obscured by the walking dead. "MARK!" I yelled just as the first grenade went off. Blowing chunk of flash and bone through the air, severed limbs scattering from the blast zone, immediately the gunfire from Hirano ceased. Where the grenade had detonated, it cleared a small section roughly 10 yards in diameter. After I saw the result I rolled the other grenade with a little more force in the same direction, it detonated and produced similar results. I then retrieved my tomahawks and charged forward lowering my shoulder; I bust through the thinned line of infected and entered the small cleared out area. I kept my momentum as I drew my right hand back and came down horizontally and split a zombie from the neck down to his chest, I followed with and upwards slash which removed the head then plant kicked the body in the chest. I felt the sternum crack under the blow and watch as the body flew backwards knocking sever others over. I kept my feet moving charging and slashing threw the horde, my muscles began to burn and my breathing became heavy, the damage from my previous engagements fully intent on letting me know that it's still there, but I don't stop and keep pushing. Soon my mind goes black as my training takes over be like water, conform to each individual circumstance, don't think just react I thought to myself as I powered through the undead horde.

Saeko POV

I'm supposed to hate this man so why do I always feel so drawn to him…damn him I thought to myself as I chewed on my lower lip absentminded. I sat near the window of the Humvee looking from the corner of my eye at Gabriel as he stood defiant amiss the horde. The Bark from Hirano's rifle still cutting the air, meanwhile Miss Shizuka had her head planted on the steering wheel at the driver seat, Takagi was holding Alice and Alice was holding Zeke and slowly rocking him, attempting to keep him from barking, Takashi was embracing Rei as she sobbed silently in his chest. He looked worn down and worried. I gripped Gabriel's sword, my body itching to get into the fight, I wanted to do something anything, why the hell am I just sitting here! I yelled to myself in my head I looked out the window again. Gabriel had completely turned around, he had two objects in his hand and I noticed something else that was off, he was smiling. My Heart almost stopped as I Realized the only time Gabriel smiled was when he was about to do something very… stupid. I quickly rose to my feet and was about to make a bolt out the door when he suddenly rolled one the objects into the crowd I hesitated as the action took me by surprise, but once my mind registered I quickly abandoned the idea and ducked down below the window. A few seconds ticked by before suddenly a shockwave was blown through my chest, immediately causing and adrenaline spike. I looked up to see Hirano who was holding his rifle against his chest and was chuckling.

"What's so funny?" Takagi yelled at Hirano, who immediately stopped laughing but still had a grin on his face. I noticed he was about to respond when a second explosion ripped through the air.

I ducked again as I looked over to Hirano "please enlighten us" I responded sternly

"Well, he certainly knows how to get things done" Hirano said as he looked down, obviously flustered "I mean he doesn't exactly use a lot of discretion"

"What?" Takagi said he voice full of surprise.

"He's impulsive, arrogant, reckless and-" I began to say as if marking off a list.

"And your absolutely crazy about him" Rei suddenly piped up

Her sudden response had taken me by surprise as I immediately felt my cheeks warm in embarrassment. I looked at Rei trying to conceal my emotions but found it very difficult, she was smiling at me. Obviously she was having fun with my reaction.

"Th-that's no it at all!" damnit I said to myself why the fuck am I stammering!. "He just pisses me off that's all" I finally said as I looked out the window searching for any sign of Gabriel. I found only a picture of chaos and limbs flying through the air "bastard, still making a fool out of me" I said under my breath.

Author POV

Gabriel broke through the infected horde and began the second part of his plan, to make as much noise as possible in order to draw the attention of the horde towards him. He only had a vague idea of where the propane tank was located so he knew he would have to move quick enough to not get cornered if he accidently took a wrong turn but slow enough so that he could draw as many as them away as possible. Luckily at the time being he had the undivided attention of the undead due to the explosions from the grenades, and he noticed that Hirano had stopped firing like he was ordered. Gabriel however noticed that the attention span of the dead horde was incredibly short as they would move slowly in his direction but not in unison, some we branching off and scattering. In order for Gabriel plan to work he needed all of them to follow him. So he un-holstered his handgun and fired two shots into the pack. The echo of the shots reverberated off the walls of the street and surrounding structures amplifying the report. It was more than enough to draw attention to him as he noticed the entire pack turn and begin staggering toward him. There yeah go ya dumb fucks come to dinner. I began to back pedal then turned and started a slow jog, I retrieved my Hawk and busted out the side window of a nearby car keeping their attention on me. I did my best to assess the situation and try to get a scope of how many were following me but when I looked out over the sea of undead I realized that there were more of them pouring in from what seemed like every direction. I made a mental note to keep my head on a swivel in case one of them decided to pop up behind me.

Now I wasn't entirely sure about where I was going, I only knew the general direction, so every now and then I'd turn and run ahead to try to get a bearing on my position looking for anything that looked familiar, then I'd run back and either break in another window or if that wasn't loud enough id fire a few shots into the horde. I had to be careful though I would need at least a couple rounds if my plan was going to work.

I finally found the building that I had slept in the night before and using that location I led the horde of zombies through the lifeless streets, I took notice that the horde was growing larger. It seemed every single infected was trying to get at me. I found myself screaming at the top of my lungs and pounding on street poles or breaking windows anything to keep the fragile attention of the undead.

When I had finally arrived at the gas station where the monstrous Propane tank was located I realized that the entire place was filled with the infected. My guess what that they were drawn to the noise that I was making. The Station was on a street corner just outside the main metropolitan area. A Street ran parallel next to the station while the other three sides of the structure were lined by a woodland area. The Large propane tank was place just adjacent to the main structure behind the Fuel pumps. The infected were beginning to pour in from all sides; in order for this to work I would have to work quickly. I ran over to the tank and sheathed my weapons while retrieving the magnesium flare that I had taken from the dead SDF forces the day before, I knew this would come in handy I thought to myself as I struck the bottom of the flare igniting it, the flame glowing a bright green. I then propped the flare, flame side upwards and leaned it against the Tank it instantly started to burn its way through the metal exterior as metal began to deform and melt. I quickly rose to my feet and turned, coming face to face with a mob of infected. The moans drowning out all sounds as I stared in bewilderment at the sheer amount of dead and drew my tomahawks, shit, how the fuck do I get out of this one I thought as I twirled the hawks in my hands. I kept my eyes scanning, ever aware of the literal time bomb behind me. I spotted a thinning in the line of undead to my left that would lead into a woodland area and in the general direction of where I had left Saeko and quickly decided that that was my best option. I crouched low and exploded forward throwing my weight behind the attacks of the tomahawks. Each strike resulted in another infected dead, another lifeless walking corpse roaming God Great earth. I felt my chest tighten as the adrenaline once again pumped though my veins, I allowed my mind to go blank as I once again used my limiter technique, but this time for only a few seconds, it however gave me just the right amount of boost to break through, or so I thought. As soon as I broke through the first line another wave of infected had emerged through the brush, I glanced back at the propane tank and noticed the flare still burning hot, but it was moving too slowly, seeing that I was about to be surrounded I knew that I had act quick before I ended up on the dinner menu. I desperately scanned my surroundings and soon found what I looking for; a small hill that led into what I hoped was some sort of defecate. I immediately jumped in action and sprinted toward the advancing horde. I un holstered my tomahawk in my left and my 1911 in my right and headed for the small hill which was only a few steps away. I used a downward slashing blow which cut the infected from his neck diagonally to his abdomen severing the spinal cord and splitting the body in half spilling its entrails on the ground, I kicked the now dead weight body in order to remove my hawk, this caused the dead to fall over tripping over themselves creating a small gap for which I would take advantage of. I broke into a full sprint and just before the top of the hill I jumped and turned toward the tank while simultaneously bringing the handguns sights up to my eye. I immediately remembered what my father had burned into my memory from such a young age, before you even attempt to break the shot make sure your mind is clear, clear mind means you can focus on the task at hand, that task being putting that bullet exactly where you want it to go. This process should happen immediately, time is of the essence the quicker you are will depend on if you live or die. After your mind is clear the physical process of breaking the shot will take place, first make sure your hand elbow and shoulder are in line with the sights, this will give you a stable platform from which the recoil will travel directly into the strongest part of your arm. The next thing you focus on is sight picture. The top of the front sight post should be aligned with the top of the rear sight with equal amount of light on either side of the front post. Once you have a proper sight picture and your target is acquired, now begins the actual phase of pulling the trigger, don't grip the gun too tightly, just enough to hold it steady, next with the pad of your finger not the joint pull directly backwards toward the rear of the gun, be careful not to jerk the trigger. It is very crucial that you do not anticipate the shot at you will inevitably move the sights off target, let the shot break cleanly it should not surprise you but you should not anticipate it. If you do all these things correctly your round will hit the target where you want every single time. As I remembered this lesson from my father my body naturally went through the motions. The Gun jumped in my hand as the round exited through the barrel and tore through the atmosphere. It wasn't a long shot maybe only 20 yards away but granted I was in midair turning and firing with one hand, if I made this shot even I would be impressed. I watched as the round impacted just above the flares flame tearing into the metal like a hot knife through butter, less than a millisecond later the tank blew. I felt the heat wash over me as I fell behind the small hill. It was hot, very hot I felt as though my skin was melting. Dust and debris flew just inches over my head, and the shockwave from the explosion ripped through my chest nearly knocking the wind out of me. I felt limbs and blood rain down on my position as I instinctively covered my head with my hands. The explosion was enough that the ground shook under my body. I stayed there in that position for about 4 seconds until I picked my head up and took in my surroundings. What I saw astonished me, the earth where the tank stood was charred black and the only remnants of the gas station was that of the foundations.

BOOM! Another blast ripped through me, this one was larger and much, much hotter. I instantly ducked back behind the hill as a massive fireball blared over my head. The heat was immense and I instantly knew I had burns on my neck and shoulders, the only thing protecting me was my Armor which thank God was fire resistant be even still the heat seeped through and seared my skin. I tasted copper as I coughed up blood from the concussive force of the blow. I felt the ground lift up under me, it was very minute movement but anytime a blast causes a small earthquake like this did I knew it was one hell of a bang. I lifted my head as the heat began to dissipate and stared wide eyed as the scene. A black plume of smoke was rising into the air and a small crater could be seen from my position. I guessed that from the propane going up in flames that the main gas tanks had been compromised and caught fire and subsequently grenaded. The entire region about 100 meters in all directions was charred back from the heat, and the bodies of the dead layed burned to ash. The smell of cooked flesh reached my nostrils and I fought back my urge to vomit. Not a single walking dead stood, I saw a few who had escaped but their limbs had been burned or where in the process of burning away making them move slow and unbalanced. It was almost comical. I turned around to look at what was behind me only to see trees completely on fire, and shards of tree trunk blown apart. "shit, that was a little larger bang than I had thought It was gonna be" I said to myself as I gazed wide eyes before the distant moans of the undead shook my back to reality. "Fuck, time to go" I said as I picked myself up from the floor and began running back toward where I had left Seako and the others.

Takashi POV

We had been lucky, shortly after Gabriel had begun to lead the horde away from us Saya's mother had shown up with a rescue squad and used high pressure hoses in order to keep the infected at a distance which gave us enough time to climb over the fence. It had been a tearful reunion for Saya who deeply embraced her mother when she saw her, I didn't want to admit it but at the time I felt a pang of jealousy for at least she knew her mom was okay. But that quickly subsided as I realized I was happier for her that anything and from the way things have been going a little bit of good new couldn't hurt.

For the most part the group was ok, Alice was obviously shaken up a little more than the rest of us but she seemed to be ok. Miss Shizuka eyes were still puffy from the tears but I think she battled the fear with keeping herself busy by tending to our wounds. Hirano and Saeko looked to be the calmest; this kind of caught me off guard at least in Hirano's case. Saeko was a trained warrior and I expected her to be composed given the situation, but Hirano was not a soldier. I mean sure the guy could shoot and he had a pretty good wealth of knowledge as far as military tactics and weapons but other than the training her received in the states he was still a normal High school student so when I looked at him and saw that he was smiling and joking during our ride to the Takagi Manor I was a little surprised but glad nonetheless. For myself I was holding up ok, I was more tired then anything but I also had a nagging, feeling about my participation during the last battle. I couldn't shoot for shit with that rifle, only with the shotgun did I have any luck and I spilled the shells all over the floor trying to reload. It was painfully obvious that I was going to need some training before we go against the infected next time, I'll be damned if ima be the weakest link. And besides I have Rei and the rest of the group to look after. I hesitated at the thought as I felt Rei lean her head on my shoulder, I looked at her and gave he a warm smile with she reciprocated then I caught Saeko looking in my direction. She was giving me a slight smile, which made me blush a little with embarrassment but that was quickly diminished as I felt Rei grab my hand and wrap it around her shoulder as she snuggled up close to me. I felt my check warm up again as she pressed her beautiful body against mine.

BOOM! A loud explosion could be heard in the distance, as the sound traveled it echoed through the air. We had just made it through the first gate of the large manor before I heard the blast. I quickly turned toward the sound and notices a small fire about a mile or two away just on the outskirts of the city.

"What the hell was that?" I heard Hirano voice from behind me

"I don't know, obviously an explosion of some sort" I replied

"But who triggered it?" I heard Rei say as she gripped my arm tighter.

I sent Saeko a glance, which was showing about as much emotion as a statue. All she did was turn her body halfway and squint her eyes a little holding Gabriel sword in her hand.

"Maybe that was Gabriel that set it off?" Saya chimed in "I mean he did say he had a plan, and that explosion was loud enough that-"

BOOOOOM! Just as Saya was about to finish her sentence another explosion ripped through the air, being big enough that we all felt the concussion from where we were. A large fireball could be seen, followed by and even bigger plume of black smoke that seemed to cover the area. I could see bits and pieces of debris flying in all directions through the chaos. I stood in awe at the sight unable to look away.

"HA, HA HA "Hirano bust out laughing

"What's so funny you damn Otaku?!" Saya reprimanded

"Yes please enlighten us once again" Saeko responded with a cold tone

"Well if it is Gabriel, which I'm sure it is, he sure does know how to put on a show!"

"Shut it you idiot! This is no time to be laughing!" Saya yelled at him effective shutting him up immediately.

"Look I'm sorry Takagi, but he did save us and he did say what he promised" Hirano responded almost at a whisper

"Huh?" Saeko quipped

"Yeah he said he was going to lead them away, well that explosion was loud enough to draw probably every one of those things within the area for at least a little while anyway," he paused for a moment "in my opinion, we won today." He said still looking down

A few seconds ticked by as the group sat in silence "You know your right" I replied "That crazy son of a bitch did save our asses, Hirano's right we won today I'd say this is a perfect time to be laughing" I said as I flashed Hirano a smile.

A few seconds ticked by as each member of the group took in what had happened, before suddenly one by one we all burst into laughter. We stood there laughing our asses off as we watched the smoke rise into the air. We were alive, and that was enough so smile about.

Author POV

It didn't take Gabriel long enough to find his way back to where he had left Saeko and the others. He was happily surprised that when he did arrive the only things present were a couple infected still roaming and the vacant Humvee. Further inspection on his part revealed that there was no blood inside the vehicle confirming his belief that they had either been rescued or were able to fight their way out of the corner and move to a safer location. Either way he was confident that they group was safe.

Gabriel decided that the most logical direction would've been to climb over the wire fence that spanned the road. So Gabriel followed and dropped down into the vacant neighborhood and pressed on. He was tense but alert; his body ached especially where he was burned. But he banished the pain from his mind by concentrating on the task at hand which was finding the group. The neighborhood he was in was completely devoid of life, both of the true living and of the infected. It was completely quiet save for the light breeze and the songs of birds. It was also the first time that Gabriel had been able to smell clean air without the lingering smell of rotting flesh, decay or blood. He inhaled deeply savoring the sweet smell. Suddenly he felt his chest tighten and his anxiety spike, his mind drifted unrestrained to the thought of a world without the infection, and found that he could no longer think of a future without death, and the dead roaming the streets. This alarmed him as he leaned his body up against a wall of a bakery shop. He stared at the floor attempting to somehow banish these thoughts from his mind. But the harder he tried the more it would fill his conscious. Soon the faces of all the people he cared about began to fill his mind, especially those of his squad and the new group of People he found himself curiously attached to. He pictured each one of them dying, being devoured alive by the dead, tearing at their flesh, with each face that he pictured his anxiety grew. But when his mind arrived to Saeko, he suddenly found that he couldn't picture her dying, but instead he pictured himself. Her body standing over him as he was eaten alive, she was crying telling him that he lied to her, yelling at him that she was supposed to be the one to kill him not these monstrosities. Just as fast as the Anxiety had came, he found it subsiding, his chest being filled with something he has not felt in a long time, but something he welcomed. It was Anger, and Rage, and most importantly determination. He had a promise to uphold. He remembered what she had told him a long time ago, something that had always stuck with him being etched into his mind remember Gabriel "don't make a Girl a promise, if you know you can't keep it". Gabriel found his footing again as he stood tall and inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes and making sure to allow his senses to unclog. He had never suffered Anxiety like that before in his life which somewhat alarmed him, but at the same time he realized that his mental shape was now more focused than it had been since the whole ordeal with the dead started. And maybe just maybe a little scare was worth the mental focus. Gabriel didn't dwell on it for long. He still had an objective.

Gabriel spent another 20 minutes roaming the streets of the deserted neighborhood before he found himself in front of a makeshift barricade complete with two guards. Both were holding assault rifles and we dressed in civilian clothes, but had on bullet proof vests and tactical gear. Obvious militia, but where they had gotten the equipment, was baffling considering that Japan was an Anti-gun Regime. Either they were smuggled illegally, or they were the product of a very influential individual. Intriguing Gabriel thought to himself as he approached the barricade.

"Hold it there!" one of the guards shouted as he raised his rifle.

Hmm they are on edge, "look I mean to cause no trouble, just looking for a few friends that's all."

The Man hesitated at the sound of hearing Gabriel speak Japanese. Obviously unexpected, but he quickly composed himself "who are you?" he finally said still pointing his rifle directly at Gabriel's chest.

"My name is Gabriel Kael, Major in Authority Arms Private military. I wish to speak to the Person in Charge."

Once again the man hesitated contemplating he response, unsure of what to think. To the Guard Gabriel was just an armed High schooler. And here he was asking to talk directly to their leader, who was this kid he thought.

"look I mean no harm I'm just looking for some of my friends and maybe whoever it leading this place will know of them, I'm friends of Saeko Busujima, Takashi Kumoro, Saya Takagi-" Gabriel was suddenly cut off

"Wait you know Miss Takagi?" he replied shocked. Lowering his weapon slightly

Gabriel smiled found it "yes I know her, very well and I wish to speak with her" a few seconds ticked by as the guard was pondering the consequences.

"Very well, but you will have to leave your weapons here-"

"Absolutly not" Gabriel said deadpanned

"wha, what?, that's not an option if you wish to see-"

Gabriel patience was wearing thin "look one way or another I'm going to see Miss Takagi, now I can either forcefully remove you for this position, or you can point me in the correct direction, but under no circumstances am I'm giving up my weapons, but you are willing to try to take them." Gabriel responded, a sly smile spread across his face. Deep down he really wanted the guard to try it, but he wouldn't get his wish in this confrontation. The guard finally shook his head and motioned for him to pass through.

"Just follow this road up to the mansion. It's there you will find the misses." He said averting Gabriel's gaze.

"Thank you" Gabriel responded as he walked past the barricade and up toward the mansion. On the way to the Mansion Gabriel walked through a very well organized refugee camp. It was complete with living quarters made up of canvas tents, a cafeteria, and restroom facilities. Gabriel also noticed that the entire camp was being powered by electricity which led him to believe that the Power grid was still live. That was a good sign maybe the city was doing better than he had originally thought. Gabriel ended the thought as he approached a large rod Iron Gate, behind the gate was an extremely beautiful and large mansion that he could only believe was the Takagi Household. Goddamn, must be nice to live in one of those he thought to himself as he walked through the gate. Odd, nobody seems to be outside; Gabriel noticed that there were no guards outside and that the house looked vacant. He kept his eyes scanning for any indication that someone was inside, his eyes found a truck parked out in front of a Patio stairway that led into the front door of the house. That's when his eyes caught movement from one of the top windows of the home. Gabriel paused trying to get a better look at whatever it was but, whatever was there was now gone. Hmm, maybe I'll just ring the doorbell he thought as he kept walking towards the front door.

Holy shit Saeko thought to herself as she glanced out one of the large windows. There she saw Gabriel walking toward the house. That sonavabitch actually found me…wait that asshole left me again! She thought as she felt her chest tighten with rage. She was still wearing her school uniform; she hadn't had the time to change since she was still waiting to be checked out by Miss Shizuka who was giving everyone in the group a thorough physical.

Saya opened the door to the room where Shizuka was giving the physicals and stepped into the hall where Saeko was "hey Seako your u-"she paused as she looked at Saeko who was staring out the window. Saya immediately noticed the tension in her posture especially the death hold grip she had on the Katana she was carrying. "Hey you alright?" she asked as she began to approach Saeko slowly holding her hand out to her. Saeko didn't say a word as she turned on her heel and quickly began speed walking down the hall away from Saya and made a right down the flight of stairs that would lead to the front door. "What the hell?" Saya said under her breath as she quickly jogged over to the window that Saeko had previously occupied took one look out and saw Gabriel "SHIT, GUYS GABRIELS BACK!" she yelled back toward the room as she took off after Saeko.

Gabriel was almost to the stairs that would lead to the front of the house when suddenly the door flew open. Saeko exited the door at a very quick pace. Her face was emotionless "Thank God you're ok Saeko" Gabriel said as he stopped his feet and studied the woman who was seemingly picking up her pace as she neared him. Saeko flashed him a mischievous smile

"Indeed, I am ok" she said as she suddenly bust into a run. She completely ignored the stairs that led down either side of the raised patio and jumped over a stone wall that dropped about 10 feet the ended on the terrace that Gabriel was on.

"Aww, shit" Gabriel said as he watched her land perfectly unsheathing her sword in the process, HIS sword he might add and lunged in his direction. Gabriel barely had enough time to react as Saeko movements were blisteringly fast, and he drew his tomahawk locking blades with her. He silently thanked his CO for suggesting he put a titanium solid core inside the handle of the tomahawk because any other strike as that sword would've cut right through it. "The fuck you doing Saeko! Hell of a way to say hello!" he yelled at her as they both kept their eyes locked on each other.

"The hell with you!" she replied as she broke the stalemate and struck again, Gabriel sidestepping to dodge to attack. She followed with a thrust aiming for his abdomen to which he used his bare hand to bat the side of the sword knocking it off its course. He spun to his left trying to evade, but Saeko had counted on this as she planted on her front foot and threw a backwards roundhouse kick aimed at Gabriel Temple. Gabriel Saw the attack blocked it by bringing he forearm to his head. The kick landed with such force Gabriel was knocked back. Well I see she's been practicing he said to himself as he steadied himself and resumed a defensive stance. He glanced behind her to see that the rest of the group had assembled on top of the patio and was looking downward at them, looks of horror painted their faces.

"I came back!" Gabriel said to her making sure to make eye contact with the purple haired fireball. All he got In return was another devilish smile and a glazed over eyes. "Damnit why won't you just listen to me!" he followed with

"No" she said just under her breath, barely loud enough for Gabriel to hear "no I won't be hurt by you anymore" she said as she lunged for him again. This time her attacks were even faster and more ferocious. Well at least I know she is DEFINITELY qualified for the job Gabriel thought as he focused on parrying her attacks. By now Saeko was moving with such speed and precision that even Gabriel couldn't follow, but instead was relying on subtle body movements and posture in order to gauge where her next attack was coming from. Suddenly he spotted and opening and took it. Saeko was in the middle of sending a slashing attack coming over her head straight down aimed at Gabriel's head, Gabriel having little time dropped his tomahawk in front of him allowing him to have two free hands, he caught Saekos wrists just before she was able to level out her Katana catching her off guard, then using his superior strength pried her right hand off the hilt of the sword and it an instant twisted it around pining it in the small of her back. Gabriel then using his left arm, he wrapped it around her body and pulled her in close to him. The ending result of the maneuver left Saeko being held from behind by Gabriel, who pressed his body into hers, and pulled her into him. He then whispered into her ear "What do I have to do, to show you I'm here for you"

Saekos was suddenly snapped back to reality as she realized what had just happened. Emotions of sorrow, anger, and guilt flooded her and she was sent reeling mentally. But as quickly as those negative emotions had come, she suddenly realized that she was once again in Gabriel's embrace. She felt a sudden rush of happiness fill her body as she allowed her senses to "take" Gabriel in. Memories followed after as she remembered the time she shared with him, nights of sitting on the roof top watching the stars after a long day of training. The feeling and excitement of sparring with Gabriel, never malicious but always pumping each other up, encouraging each other to always become better, how each day was filled with happiness and adventure. She then remembered how he had held her when she was sad, how he talked to her and comforted her when she needed it. Or how he had always tried to make her happy or laugh. The little things that had stopped the day he had left-"

Gabriel began to feel her relax slightly and was beginning to think that he was getting through to her when suddenly she threw her head back, landing it directly on Gabriel's forehead. White hot pain shot through his eyes as he let go of her and staggered back grabbing his head in pain. His vision was blurred but he managed to make out see Saeko standing in an aggressive stance sword in front "No Gabriel, "she stammered, her head still fresh of the memories and emotions that just overcame her a few seconds ago "I made you a promise, and this is how it ends" she said her voice quivering as it left her.

Gabriel knew what she meant. Maybe their relationship wasn't salvageable, suddenly all the resolve the he once had for her left him as he left the thought sink in. He was overcome with grief and sadness. Fine, I'll let you decide sweetheart he said to himself as he resumed his defensive stance and unsheathed his tomahawks "I see, well let's see what you got" he replied emotionless.

This caught Saeko off guard again as she hesitated, then she clenched her teeth and lunged full speed toward Gabriel lowering her sword to her side as she ran. When she was within striking distance she leveled her sword and aimed directly for Gabriel's abdomen, she would impale him with his own sword and end his life with her hands.

Time began to move slowly for Both Saeko and Gabriel who still hadn't moved to parry or dodge her attack. Her mind suddenly filled with images of them growing up, his smile, his laugh his stupid pranks he used to pull on her. Then she felt her chest tighten, and a rush of guilt and sorrow spread throughout her body, but it wasn't until she felt another type of emotion overcome her that she began to really get scared. It was the feeling of loneliness that she hadn't realized was gone when Gabriel had showed up, that was now returning with a vengeance. It was in that moment that she realized she was making a big mistake, it was also in that moment that she realized that Gabriel still had not moved, and that he wasn't intending to move. He aimed to allow her to kill him and was only making it look like she had gotten through his defenses so that the rest of the group watching would think that he had fought back. Even now he was still trying to protect her.

She used all her available speed and might to divert the attack but it wasn't enough, as she closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. She felt the sword enter soft tissue, but then it enerted something very hard wait a second, organ tissue is soft why is there such resistance, she thought as she opened her eyes revealing the sword piercing Gabriel's shoulder and exiting through the shoulder blade as the edge of the blade could be seen on the other side. She immediately met Gabriel's gaze as his eyes were filled with pain, his teeth clenched tight. She silently let out a sigh of relief at the very real mistake she almost made but she did not show it. Her concern was on what Gabriel would do next. "Why didn't you dodge, you idiot" she said through lowered eyes. She was still in a stabbing position and had yet to let go of the swords handle. She saw Gabriel smile through the pain as he quickly grabbed onto her hands with his right hand and lifted his head to meet her eyes. Then he shoved the blade deeper into his shoulder grunting away the pain and drawing Saeko who was now visibly taken horrified, closer to him. So close that she could feel his breathing against her face and the radiance of his body heat.

"Now I know your answer, " he paused to catch his Breath as the pain was immense. "If you wanted to kill me, you would've done it" he replied with a slight smile.

"You reckless piece of shit" she said lowering her head

"Reckless yes, but it was the only way to get your goddamn attention, you think skulled pain in my ass"he said just above a whisper so only Saeko could hear it, but it was full of annoyance and anger.

"What's going on here!" another voice boomed from behind them, it was feminine in pitch and tone but very elegant and powerful nonetheless. The others in the group who were watching the exchange slowly turned around, Saya was especially scared at the woman standing behind them, as the voice had come from none other but her own Mother. Saya's mother was exceptionally beautiful; she had long purple hair, fair skin, and sported large perky breasts and very tight buttocks that were accentuated by the skin tight red dress that hugged her body, and the 6 inch heels that she expertly walked in. Usually a smile would be painted on her face, but now a look of concern, and distress took its place. Saeko and Gabriel were still beaming at one another, but Saeko was the first to break away from him and face Saya's Mother.

"Lady Takagi, My Apologies for this incident" Seako said as she bowed her head towards Saya's Mother

"Yes I apologize for the disturbance, My lady, me and-"Gabriel was cut off

"Save it, what I want to know is where you learned martial arts. I'm aware of Miss Busijima's lineage as her father trained my husband Souichiro, but to stay alive against his kin, especially one of Miss Busujima's talents is nearly unheard of. Please if you would allow me asking but who are you young man?"

Gabriel was taken aback by the statement how long had she been standing there? He thought, but collected himself and stood at attention, Sword still in his shoulder and all. He then bowed his head and snapped a salute "My name is Gabriel Kael, Major and member of Authority Arms Private Military Corporation, Leader of Spectre squad. I was taught by my Father and was mentored under Miss Busujima's father as well in the arts of war." Gabriel Voice was calm collected and monotone, but he put emphasis on the word war as his voice trailed off.

Saeko was beaming at him, as he introduced himself. He also noticed that the rest of the group were staring with their mouths wide open, especially Hirano who knew of the AA military, or at least what little was known about them.

A small smile appeared on Lady Takagi face as Gabriel finished his introduction. "Authority Arms huh," she said as her smile got wider "that's a bold statement to make especially if you claim to be the major, tell me do you have any proof of this?"

Gabriel smiled as he lowered his head, he knew what she was hinting to and he began to recite the creed that had been burned into his head since joining AA

"When faced with impossible odds, when there seems there is no way out, I swear my life in the protection of the innocent and of God fearing individuals that I will stand strong. Becoming an Immovable object, an unstoppable force, a foundation for the weak and a rally cry for the strong I swear on God that I will fight, instead of accepting the path of defeat, and I will always find a way to win, or I will give my life in the attempt. This is my promise, this is my creed. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."

The Group let out a collection of audible Gasps and sighs as he finished. Saeko even stood wide eyed, but this time it was in admiration. Gabriel just stood there at attention his eyes never leaving Takagi's mothers who now had a slight smile spread across her lips. "The Spectre's Creed, interesting" she paused as she shrugged her shoulders "well I guess that will suffice, I was hoping for a badge or at least a business card of some sort."

This cause Gabriel to let out a small chuckle at her pun "My apologies once again Ma'am" he said with a smile.

"Very well," she replied again while turning to Miss Shizuka who was standing with the rest of the group "Miss Shizuka, please tend to Major Kael wounds" she turned to Saeko "and Miss Busujima, Please remove that sword from that man's shoulder, it doesn't look very comfortable"

"Yes Ma'am" Saeko replied turning toward Gabriel

"And to you Major-"

"Please Ma'am Gabriel will suffice" he said to her while waving his arms in dismissively front of him

"Very well, Gabriel please doesn't go getting stabbed by beautiful young women anymore, red isn't necessarily your color and your Bleeding on my very expensive walkway" she responded light hearted.

Gabriel smiled "I'll try not to Ma'am" he said to her as he watched her turn and leave back into the house. He then turned to Saeko who was standing directly in front of him; a small smile appeared on her face. Miss Shizuka was rushing to Gabriel, her breasts bouncing with every step "try not to enjoy it too much Saeko" Gabriel said as he watched her reach for the swords hilt.

"No promises," she said with a mischievous grin, as she grabbed the sword and pulled, dislodging the blade from Gabriel's shoulder, spilling a large amount of blood on his clothes in the process

Gabriel let an out a small cry of pain and gripped his shoulder as he dropped down to a knee. The pain was blinding as he fought to stay conscious. When he looked up again Saeko was gone, and the rest of the group was now by his side. Miss Shizuka was pressing a piece of cloth into the wound which made it hurt even more but it was necessary to stop the bleeding. "Let's get you inside so I can take a look and get you patched up" she said to him.

"Yes, ma'am than-"Gabriel hesitated as suddenly his vision was filled with a view of her massive cleavage, he shook his head and continued "Thank you, very much" he said as he found his footing and the both started inside.

"Your one tough son of a bitch" Takashi said as they followed Shizuka and Gabriel up the stairs. Gabriel responded by giving a thumbs up as he followed Miss Shizuka into the makeshift infirmary.

Miss Shizuka couldn't help but finding herself marvel at the specimen of a human being that sat before her on the makeshift operating table. Gabriel was one hell of a good looking man, well built, his muscle structure was very prominent and defined, tall, tan skinned and the presence of light stubble began to form on his face. He was also very heavily tattooed that was covered by his clothing, but now that he sat shirtless his tattoos could easily be seen. She also noted several scars spread across his chest and back, they were circular in shape and she made a mental note to ask her about them. She licked her lips at the sight of him, lustful thoughts flooding her mind "you're a little bit of a bad boy aren't you" she said in a seductive tone

Gabriel gulped "uh-yeah I guess so" he stammered as he noticed her running her hands along his shoulders, feeling his muscles

Miss Shizuka might've been a ditz but she wasn't ignorant to the way men looked at her, she knew how much sex appeal she had she also knew how to use that sex appeal. "So Gabriel how old are you" she said to him this time whispering into his ear.

This caused Gabriel to shiver as he knew what she was doing and had he not been trained to subside his testosterone tendencies, he probably would've jumped the good doctor's bones. But instead he stood ridged "I'm 18 Ma'am" he responded flatly

"Oh so your legal" she said slyly.

Shit, Gabriel thought as he was quickly trying to formulate a response. He found his relief at the sound of someone knocking on the door.

"Miss Shizuka," Saeko said as she opened the door. Shizuka was now standing in front of Gabriel and Gabriel thanked God that they were in any compromising positions that Saeko could take as a misunderstanding. Saeko entered the room leaving the door open behind her, she was carrying Gabriel's Katana in her right hand "how's he doing" she asked flatly

"His shoulder will take a bit of time to heal, but he still has full range of motion which is good albeit he probably shouldn't stress it if he doesn't have to. He also has a light burns on his neck and shoulders that doesn't look too serious that I treated with some ointment but he should keep it covered nonetheless. Other than that just a few cuts and bruises, little inflammation here and there but nothing long lasting he should be good as new in a few days, save for the Shoulder that might take a few weeks given the fact the sword went through the bone."

Saeko stood emotionless as Shizuka gave her the rundown of Gabriel's condition. "That's good to hear" she said to her "May I have a moment alone with him"

"Of course, " Shizuka responded as she began walking out the door "Hell of a man you got there," she joked as she passed her stopping only to tell her that. "Go easy on him, I just patched him up" she said as she walked out the door closing it behind her.

The door closed and both of them were left in silence. A large window occupied the far wall across from where Saeko stood, and Gabriel sat on the operating table to her left. There was a bed directly adjacent to him, simple and made up of white coverings. Saeko was first to move as she walked to the large window, making sure to study Gabriel banged up tattooed body, she too noticed the scars but unlike Shizuka she knew they were from Bullets that had found their mark yet failed to do their jobs in taking away Gabriel's life. A wave of emotions was filling her chest as she found herself filled with nervousness. Her eyes would briefly meet Gabriel's before drifting out the window where she looked upon a broken city filled of the undead. She rested the katana against the wall and spoke "How are you feeling"

Gabriel smiled "been worse, how about yourself"

"i-I'm not sure" she responded lowering her head.

Gabriel stood and made his way over to her. He put his hand out and took hers in his. Saeko allowed herself to relish the feeling of him holding her hand, before suddenly pulling her hand away. She was here for a reason and now was not the time to get sidetracked. Gabriel stood there, he was just glad that he had been able to touch her without her throwing a punch his way.

Saeko retreated a few steps before facing him again with his eyes still lowered. "Why did you leave me," she said to him her voice quivering as she found it difficult to steady her voice. "I loved you! You could've at least said goodbye" she said almost yelling

"Saeko, I-"Gabriel was cut off

"Cut the bullshit, Gabriel. You want to explain yourself now the time to do it. You wont get another chance"

Gabriel's temper began to rise at being cut off but he forced the emotion from his mind gathered himself and responded "I wanted to, but I couldn't-"

"Why not!, if you wanted to you should've-"

Gabriel knew that in order for this conversation to work, both of them would have to stay calm so he did his best to keep his tone as mellow as possible "look, if you want to me explain your going to have to hear me out, I talk you listen and vice versa okay" he said as he took a seat on the bed.

Saeko balled her fist, but realized that he was right as she took a few steps toward him stopping only once she was an arm's length away and nodded in agreement.

"Okay, thank you"

"Just get on with it," she replied harshly

Gabriel sighed before speaking "remember when I first began to train with you, you asked me why I was so determined to not give up, you asked me why I was willing to be put through so much torture just to become a better fighter. And do you remember what I told you"

Saeko looked slightly confused but nodded in response "yes, you said it was to avenge your father who you had believed was killed by a traitor in his squad"

"Yes that was exactly it, at first that was all that kept me going, but soon that reason began to fade and I found myself training for another reason, and do you know what that was?"

Saeko shook her head

"To protect you" he said "somewhere, sometime during our training I realized that everytime I threw a punch, parried a thrust, or pulled a trigger that I saw not my father, but you." Gabriel let a few seconds tick by as he stared at Saeko waiting for a response. "Suddenly I realized that I wanted to fight so that nothing bad would never come to you, I never told you this cause I knew you would be furious so I kept it to myself. But I never lied to myself about how I felt about you." Gabriel lowered his head "I never lied about how I feel about you. I love you Saeko I always have and I always will but-"

"But it wasn't enough" she said still looking down

"No that wasn't it at all," Gabriel protested, trying to keep her on track. He could tell her rage was building "On graduation day, before the ceremony your father pulled me aside and told me there were some people he wanted me to talk to. Well they turned out to be The CEO and the Leader of Specre squad. Mr. Matthew Cross and Major Daniel Strain, they told me that they had been studying me for a long time and had saw me in action and they wanted to propose to me a deal that would allow me to get directly into the fight. That would allow me to fight without all the red tape and most importantly they said I would be fighting for the good of the world, for an organization responsible for ending both world wars and various powder kegs that popped up around the globe. They said I'd be part of the finest fighting force in the world with the best technology available. Naturally I was apprehensive, but your father reassured me that they were the real deal and I trusted your father's judgment and to this day I do not regret the decision I made to join them." Gabriel watched as Saeko visibly flinched at those last words "they would give me the tools to keep evil away from you" Saeko looked away in the distance unable to look at Gabriel, her hand was balled into a fist and he could see her clenching her teeth. "then they said 'as long as we leave immediately will you be able to become part of our family' in order for me to even get accepted, they were making me leave everything behind. They said it was a symbol of starting a new chapter" It was Gabriel's turn to lower his head before he continued "I wasn't going to go" he said earning him a response from Saeko

"Then why the hell did you" she said her voice filled with anger "if you claim you loved me then why the hell did you leave me! I was barley 14, do you know how much pain you put me through! I was just a little girl goddamnit and one moment your there and then I turn around and you're not! I had to find out from my father that you weren't coming back and all he said was that you went on to complete your mission." She yelled at Gabriel

"They said they knew who killed my dad!" I yelled back causing Saeko to suddenly stop and recoil back in amazement. Gabriel buried his face in his hands before continuing "They told me the Black Dragons were the ones that killed my dad, they also told me that they were AA Arch enemy. At that moment every bit of rage I had harbored for the people responsible for my Dad's death filled me and suddenly I was seeing red. The long lost reason for my training suddenly reared its head and I was nothing but a slave to its desires. I found myself fantasizing about killing my father's killer. Tearing the motherfucker limb from limb and laughing while doing it."

Saeko found herself once again feeling a wave of mixed emotion ranging from happiness that she was getting the truth finally, Gabriel confessing that he still loved her and that he was still the little boy she fell in love with full of ideals and morals. However accompanying those feelings were those of hurt, aguish and betrayal, that he would leave on such a whim hurt her, but she also knew that it was impulsive and that he did it not to hurt her which she at that moment in his life wasn't enough to make him stay. She realized that it wasn't that he left that angered her so much but the reasons attached to it. She suddenly found herself taking a step toward him. He was staring into her eyes waiting for a response, his gaze filled with protest and anticipation. She didn't know what to do or what to say she just stood there for a few long seconds before she felt her body began to move on its own balling her right hand into a fist

Gabriel knew what was coming "Be careful Sweetheart, just know that this will be that last time you EVER strike me out of anger again" he said to her still staring into her eyes. She lowered her head and clutched her teeth tight

Damnit why does he always have to ability to read me she thought to herself as she balled her fist and delivered a hard right cross directly to his cheek. The blow connecting hard, Gabriel's eyes went dark for a few moments as he grabbed his jaw and moved it around, pain searing through the joint, he looked up toward Saeko who was glaring at him, her eyes showing a slight hint of remorse for hitting him. He waited for her to say something but she didn't. All she did was cock her left arm back and threw a picture perfect hook directly at Gabriels head. The punch was fast, faster than he had ever seen her move but he was ready as he ducked under the blow and slid his feet positioning himself behind her. He quickly grabbed her by the torso and held her tight. Saeko next threw an elbow aimed toward Gabe's head to which he again ducked under while using a sweep kick to knock her off her feet. He guided her fall onto the bed so that she fell on her back but landed on the soft mattress, and wasted no time it spreading out her limbs and pinned her to the bed pressing all his weight onto her body.

Saeko didn't fight back once she was pinned; all her strength was gone as she felt his breath on her neck. She blushed slightly as her hormones took over and she was overcome with a feeling of lust but she didn't act upon it. She just turned her head avoiding Gabriel's gaze as he studied her both of the were panting. Gabriel looked upon her body with lust as he began to undress her in his mind. He had never forgotten how beautiful she was, but now that they were all grown up he definitely noticed the parts that had especially gotten bigger in all the right places. He also wasn't able to find a simple imperfection in her body, not a single blemish, or imperfection anywhere to be seen.

Saeko noticed Gabriel's rippling body, and couldn't help but notice she had become moist. She wanted him, she needed him his scent, his looks, and his scarred body was all perfect to her. And then the sudden realization came to her that Gabriel Kael had come back, and here he was on top of her. He had kept his promise, at this realization she turned her face toward him staring into his eyes, then his lips, then back to his eyes. Kiss me damnit she yelled at him in her mind.

Gabriel might have been thick headed but he wasn't stupid and he noticed Saeko subtle movements. He also noticed he had a hard on that threatened to rip a hole in his pants. He was about lean in to kiss her when suddenly

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! "Aw hell" Gabriel said under his breath as the quickly jumped off of Saeko who was still visibly flustered. Saeko sat up and fixed her top that was drooping of her shoulder "Come in"

The door opened to reveal Saya "dinner is ready" she said as she stared at the both of them. Her eyes lingering on Gabriel before moving back to Saeko who was now standing and making her way to grab the katana that sat propped against the window.

"Thank you Miss Taka-"
"Please Gabriel Saya will be fine, no need for formalities," she said waving her arms dismissively

"Okay, thank you Saya we will be down in a minute" he responded.

"Hmm" she replied before closing the door behind her.

Silence filled the room as Gabriel and Saeko locked eyes. "We better not keep them" Saeko said as she began walking to the door. She stopped when she was next to Gabriel "Here" she said extending the katana in her hand toward him

"No, keep it until we find another one" he responded, he was still very aroused from what had happened seconds ago.

"Very well" she said "by the way, please put a shirt on before you come down, I think you almost gave Saya a heart attack" she said with a snicker

"What about you?" he said slyly. Causing Saeko to blush, Gabriel let out a small laugh at her response.

"Don't keep them waiting" she responded as she reached for the handle.

"Wait Saeko," Gabriel said putting his hand out "I need to know, if you want me gone I will leave and I'll never bother you again. God knows I want to stay here but if you don't want me-"

"Gabriel-"Saeko said with a soft tone "only leave, if you want me to kill you" she said as she opened the door

"I won't "he said to her as she closed the door leaving Gabriel alone in the room. A smile plastered across his face.

On the other side of the door Saeko struggled to keep her balance. Her hormones still raging from the encounter with Gabriel, she also noticed her eyes were becoming moist as her mind filled with the realization that Gabriel still loved her, she fought back the tears and chuckled "I just got you back, you're not going anywhere motherfucker" she said under her breath as she made her way down to the dining hall.

HELLO EVEYONE! look i'm so sorry for the long delay in publishing this story. ive just been busy with work and school and was also stuck with some mental blocks. i just want everyone to know that i still have alot of ideas for the story but i am open to suggestions. also I just want to thank everyone that has read this story it means alot to me but please dont forget to review the story as your reviews are what helps me continue the story. I should be able to publish alot faster now that my schedule has somewhat opened up again so i hope that you guys don't stop reading because i will be continuing the story.

well until next time!

"Dont make a girl a promise, if you cant keep it" love this quote and thought it would fit Saeko and Gabriel perfect, i just had to steal it from Cortana. :p. once again i do not own HOTD or its Characters.