Chapter 3: Conflict of interest
The group watched the news to see the zombie pandemic occurring around the world. Dead bodies suddenly rose, adding fear and paranoia where the reporters were. America, London, even Russia we're affected.
"Not just the town, but every part of the world will be experiencing pandemonium. At this rate, even the government will collapse." Saya said.
"We know how that works." Venom said.
"And how do you know?" Saya questioned.
"Remember Resident Evil? Though it was a movie series, it shows what happens when a pandemic such as this occurs. All infrastructures and foundations will start collapsing like dominoes." Venom explained.
"A crude example, but he's right..." Kyoko said.
"Like it or not, this sudden pandemic occurred quietly. It was as though no one expected it." Akio followed.
"The world was doing okay a moment ago. It didn't had any details of this case happening." Kohta said in denial.
"Probably something the government wanted to hide... Since the outbreak occurred too quickly, the information from the media may have been suppressed in an attempt to contain the problem. However, look what it had lead to." Akio said.
"Aren't we smart?" Saya complimented.
"Like it or not, the mainlands will be dangerous to be in. If anything, only island countries or isolated areas will be safe. As long as one doesn't get bitten, it'll be a safe haven, but it won't alleviate the ever present threat. Our way of life has already changed the moment those zombies came in." Akio solemnly said.
"Quite a realistic view..." Takashi said.
"An unfortunate part that we must endure. Seeing that we're now here with survivors, we all have to work together to survive." Venom said.
"Our point exactly, Venom. As mentioned earlier, it's a pandemic." Akio said.
"An infection that spreads across the globe." Saya defined.
"Yes, that's what it means. Problem is, this new infection is unknown, considering we don't know what pathogen it is. It may be a viral strain, due to how fast it suddenly infects. Bacteria would show cultures, but it's slow." Akio explained.
"This pandemic will be worse than all the other ones we had in history." Saya commented.
"Like the Spanish Flu, Black Death, even the Swine Flu?" Rei questioned.
"Those are examples, but this outbreak makes them look like a cakewalk. All pandemic cases caused the populations to reduced drastically. The Swine Flu, though a pandemic, wasn't as impacting than its seasonal cousin. The current problem is, the infected won't stay dead." Saya said.
"We already seen the effects, so it's evident the infection won't stop." Saeko said.
"But what about the temperature? Since they're corpses, they should be decaying to the point it'll be useless for them to move." Shizuka said.
"And you know how long this process takes?" Saya questioned.
"For most parts of the body, it may take 3 weeks for late decomposition, especially during the summer. However, if the seasons change to winter, it may take longer. About 3 months..." Shizuka responded.
"Time is a luxury we can't afford. If those common rules of medicine were to be applied, then how could they be still moving?" Saya questioned.
"Reanimating... Whatever pathogen is involved, it's reanimating the cells in the bodies. Basically, bringing them back from the dead." Akio responded.
"Well, we have some theories to talk of. More importantly, we need to seek a haven for us to secure our family members. We'll have to check for them." Saya said.
"That I couldn't agree more." Saeko said.
"It would be ideal for us to work as a team." Akio suggested.
"I agree. If we go on our own, we won't survive individually." Rei followed.
"Then let's get ready to move." Venom said.
######
Akio and the others now had a plan to get through the school. With their new objective to leave the school, they now had to make their way to the bus.
"We should keep ourselves as quiet as possible. Takagi-sempai said 'they' react to any sounds so let's not make any, especially if they echo." Akio reminded.
"I got this one." Kohta said.
"Nail gun... Nice." Akio said.
"We got our tricks." Venom said.
Remembering Venom's abilities, Akio shape shifted his arms into sharp blades. He was ready to impale any zombie within their range.
"Don't forget. We need to help any survivors encountered. Don't risk losing the opportunity." Saeko said.
"A reminder to take under advisement." Kohta said.
"Oh yeah. Take these rounds. Found them lying in the Infirmary. Thought they would reload your weapon, Hirano-sempai." Akio said.
Kohta took the new nails and pocketed them.
"The front door is where we need to go. Let's hurry but keep quiet. No doubt the undead welcoming party is out there." Akio said.
"Sometimes I wonder who's the dominant being... You or the parasite..." Saya commented off-handed.
"PARASITE!? Apologize!" Venom bellowed.
"Venom...! Easy there!" Akio said.
Venom growled before keeping himself calm. Akio gave it more chocolate milk to soothe it.
"Takagi-sempai, never refer Venom as a parasite for once. We have a hair-trigger response to that..." Akio warned.
"Duly noted..." Saya said, shaken.
The group noticed several zombies wandering nearby. Venom, still feeling peeved from Saya's comment, sprouted shape tentacles that pierced them in the head. It all happened in a second before a sound of flesh being torn was heard. All the corpses collapsed at the same time.
"Remind me not to anger them..." Saya commented.
######
The group found themselves getting close to the door. They saw a large group of zombies outside.
"Just to remind everyone, it isn't necessary to take them all down. If there's an opportunity, use it to flee." Saeko said.
"Also, they hunt through sound. Don't bellow out or you'll attract them." Saya said.
"I just reminded everyone that a moment ago..." Akio huffed.
"They're strong enough to go through normal doors. Don't let them grab on to you, or it's over." Kohta said.
A loud scream suddenly echoed. Akio reacted in slight pain, but rushed to the source. A small group of 4 students, two boys and two girls were shown, holding improvised blunt weapons. There were 6 zombies surrounding them.
'Venom, time for some action.' Akio thought.
'You got it.' Venom responded.
Akio jumped from a full story and landed on a zombie's head, crushing it. He changed his arms into blades, impaling the other 2 zombies. Takashi leaped into action, slamming the baseball bat on one in the head. Saeko merely knocked it aside down the stairs, causing it to tumble. Kohta finished it with a well-aimed shot to the head. Rei soon impaled the last one with her makeshift spear.
"T-thank..." One of the girls briefly spoke.
"Not too loud. Whisper." Akio said.
"None of you were bitten?" Saeko asked.
All of them shook their heads.
"Good. We made it in time." Akio said.
"Dude, what was with your arms? They turned into swords or something..." One of the boys asked.
"I'll explain later. We got a current threat to deal with." Akio said, pointing to the walking zombies downstairs.
"In any case, you guys want to come with us? We're leaving the school to search for our parents and relatives." Takashi said.
The small group nodded. The zombies from below all groaned as they walked in a blind search for their prey.
"There's no point in hiding. They only use hearing to hunt." Saya said.
"Well then. It's a perfect time for a live demonstration... I'll go and see if Takagi-sempai's theory is right." Akio whispered.
"What!? Are you crazy?" Kyoko asked.
"I'm the one with shapeshifting abilities. I could take them down if they sneak up on me." Akio reminded.
"Oh... But please be careful..." Kyoko requested.
"Will do." Akio said.
"Good luck, Petridi-san." Saeko said.
Akio slowly walked downstairs. Kyoko grew increasingly worried for him, even attempted to stop him.
"It's his decision to make that he choose to go there, Kyoko-sensei. He also has the Symbiote within him to help in case any of them attack." Saeko reassured.
"Now I envy how it can be helpful to us..." Saya commented.
Akio watched as the zombies wandered about, blindly hitting anything. One of them was approaching him, but he merely stepped aside. The zombie didn't pay any attention and just kept moving.
'They're blind, it seems.' Akio confirmed.
'They are, indeed. You got guts, turd, I'll admit that.' Venom said.
'Since it came to that...' Akio thought.
He turned left arm into a long spear. He stabbed at a locker, which got every zombie to head to the where the noise occurred. They all walked their way to the locker, clearing off the front door. Akio slowly opened the door, making sure the hinges don't make any noise. He signaled everyone to come down. The group made their way out. The last male was holding a large metal pole. He almost bumped the handrail of the staircase, but Akio stopped it by extending his right arm to catch it.
"W-What-!?" The student male said, before having his mouth covered with a familiar black slime.
Akio made the familiar gesture of hushing, telling the male student to be quiet. He gently lifted the pole off, holding it above him. He then released him gently, allowing the male student to catch up quietly.
'That was too close...' Akio thought.
'No kidding. That turd almost made them aware.' Venom agreed.
Everyone was outside of the school, quietly assessing the path to the bus.
"There's too many of them..." Kyoko said.
"How the heck can we fight this many?" Saya asked.
"Leave that to us." Akio said, holding the large metal pole with one arm.
He soon got in front, flailing the pole around which knocked the zombies off course. This created a clear path, allowing everyone to sneak forward. Everyone was surprised of his strength, glad that he was helping them.
"Wait..." Akio requested.
Everyone pondered what he meant till he hurled the pole far off. It landed on the concrete, alerting the zombies to head to the source. This surprised the new survivors, but Takashi and the others knew what he was doing.
"That should keep them busy. Get on the bus, quickly..." Akio said.
The zombies went to the pole instead of the people rushing in to the bus. Akio made sure none of them were caught by the zombies, impaling the corpses through their heads with Venom's shape shifting powers.
"This is becoming fun and interesting." Venom said.
"For you, it is. We've only bonded for about two days so I'm still a novice on this new power." Akio mused.
"You're getting smarter on how to use my powers. Plus, you got two chicks who're worried for you. I'd say we hit the jackpot." Venom said.
"Venom...! Not the time for teasing." Akio complained.
The symbiote made a chuckling sound, laughing at his host's embarrassment. While fending off the zombies, everyone got on board the bus safely.
"Everyone's in. Akio, let's go." Takashi said.
From the distance, there was a another group of students. Among them, there was a male person whom Akio showed such animosity by growling loudly like an animal. He was wearing a pinstripe suit and appeared lanky. The person was wearing glasses.
"Bad guy?" Venom asked.
"Someone who's despicable. We'll deal with him later. We got a present threat here!" Akio said.
"Alright. I'll hold you in to that." Venom said.
Rei was visibly angry, recognizing the man. She didn't like seeing him.
"Let's go... We shouldn't rescue that person." Rei coldly responded.
"What are you saying? We should help them." Takashi argued back.
Due to the constant fighting, Akio was attracting more of the dead. He kept impaling them as they walked towards him. Takashi and the others watched as Akio kept fighting off the zombies in a brutal fashion.
"What are you guys waiting for, an invitation!? Get out of here, now!" Akio shouted.
Soon, the adult male with the running group managed to catch up. However, a male student holding textbooks soon tripped and sprained his ankle. He was wearing glasses.
"Shido-sensei, I sprained my ankle! Please help me!" The student begged.
"In this new world, the strong prosper but the weak will have to be thrown off like the trash they are." The man named Shido coldly stated.
Shido stomped on the student on his face. The force shattered the glasses, impaling him with broken glass. The student flailed, attracting more of them.
"Let's this be a lesson to you." Shido said.
Akio saw the ordeal and was pissed. No, he was angry and Venom felt his host's anger.
"Venom... We'll deal with Koichi Shido when we get out of here... I'll let you have your fun with him..." Akio growled.
"Thought you never asked." Venom said.
Akio jumped up to the roof of the bus before entering it formally. Shizuka was able to start it up and began stepping on the gas.
"Don't hesitate! Ram them down!" Takashi said.
Shizuka, with a heavy heart, made the bus drive forward, splattering any zombie in the way. During the process, she managed to ram the school bus through the gate.
######
Akio was able to catch a breather, but he was still angry. Takashi noticed it, along with everyone in his group.
"You'll regret not leaving him back there..." Akio heard from Rei.
"Let's introduce ourselves, first." Saeko said.
"I'm Takuzo, and this is my girlfriend, Naomi." The boy named Takuzo said, introducing the girl he's with.
Takuzo was an average appearing male, wearing the school uniform of Fujimi academy. He had dark hair and fiery red eyes. His girlfriend, Naomi, has raven colored hair with brown eyes. She was wearing the female uniform of the same school. She had freckles on her face in a triangular shape.
"Well, glad to see that we all made it one piece." Akio said.
There was another girl whom was also grateful. She was a red haired girl with brown eyes.
"M-my name is Kawamoto." The girl introduced shyly.
"Well, pleasure to meet you all. Before we discuss anything about what I can do, it's best to sit down and listen." Akio said.
Rei looked livid to see the male adult in the bus. She only listened to Akio's story once again as he explained to the other survivors.
'I'll never get used to it. Still better than listening to Shido.' Rei thought.
The new survivors began asking questions till Venom took over to answer them. Needless to say, it was fun watching their reaction to the Symbiote.
"Marikawa-sensei, hit the gas and let's get out of here." Akio said.
"Got it. Everyone hold on!" Shizuka said.
She hit the gas pedal and made the bus dashed through a small crowd of the zombies. Soon, it went through the school gate, leaving the premises.
######
Everyone was able to relax as the bus drove down the hill. Shido decided to talk to the teens at the front.
"You certainly have strength to save us. Are you the leader, Petridi-san?" Shido asked.
Akio stood up and growled beastly at Shido, causing him to back away in fear.
"Do not touch us again!" Akio said, mixing with Venom's voice.
Shido knew he was triggering Akio, keeping a safe distance away.
"Nice one scaring him." Rei said.
"Don't mention it." Akio commented.
"The city!" Takuzo said.
Several clouds of ash and fire were seen from a distance.
"The whole city is devastated..." Akio said.
Soon, one of the male students with Shido started to argue incomprehensibly. He had bleached yellow hair on top with brown hair below. The teen was wearing the male Fujimi High School uniform, and unlike the other students, he wore slippers instead of regular shoes. Under his uniform he was wearing a blue high-collar sweater that is unbuttoned slighly. He was looking for someone or something to blame. Lost in his rage, he began focusing on Akio.
"Why the hell are we heading to the city!? Shouldn't we be hiding in the school!? Also, why should we listen to orders from you guys!? You just decided to leave to the city!" The male student yelled.
Everyone in Takashi's group showed a discontent expression, knowing that going back will be a fatal outcome. Akio was struggling to hold back his groaning from the immense volume of the male's voice. Saeko noticed he looked distressful, if not, in pain.
"Dude... Calm your voice down, Tsunoda... This is not the time to argue." Akio reasoned calmly, holding his anger at bay.
"What are you proposing to do?" Saeko asked, cleaning her bokken.
"I can't stand this guy! He's a freak with that parasite in his body!" Tsunoda yelled.
Akio had enough, causing Venom to form over his body. The Symbiote was giving a growling noise that intimidated Tsunoda. Soon, Venom grabbed Tsunoda on the throat, lifting him up.
"Eyes... Lungs... Pancreas... Kidneys... So many snacks, so little time to choose which ones..." Venom said.
Everyone realized Venom was about to tempt Akio with cannibalism. The Symbiote made his long tongue slither on Tsunoda, scaring him enough to urinate his pants.
"Listen closely. You call me a parasite again and I'll rip your throat off and gut you like a damn fish. Got that?" Venom warned.
Tsunoda nodded his head rapidly. Takashi and the other smirked at seeing Akio handling Tsunoda.
"Good. Now sleep!" Venom bellowed, throwing Tsunoda at the back seat, knocking him out temporarily.
Clapping was heard from Shido, whom had a snake-like smile on his face. However, he kept his distance, knowing Akio would lash out.
"I'm impressed in how you were able to handle the situation. But, seeing that conflict suddenly aroused in the occasion, there must be a leader to guide them." Shido said.
"Are we to presume that you qualify yourself as one?" Saya asked.
"Well, I happen to be a teacher from our former school. That alone should qualify my reasoning. I would end all conflict within the group here." Shido explained in a false, exaggerated action.
The students that were with Shido all clapped. However, seeing the multiple people not clapping for him made him angry.
"The vote count of making you leader, Shido-sensei, shows you're not qualified. Quit running your mouth, sit down, and shut the fuck up." Akio snarled, briefly showing Venom's eyes.
Shido wisely heeded the command, not wanting to get Akio's bad side. Tsunoda also noticed after waking up and didn't want to fight him.
"Nice one, Petridi-san." Rei said with glee.
"Never did liked the snakehead's mouth running loose. Figured I would keep him quiet." Akio responded.
"Talk about being a badass." Kohta said.
Akio chuckled in response, preferring the company of Takashi's group. Seeing him stand up against Shido made everyone look at him with a positive outlook. Even Takuzo and Naomi liked how he was protective.
"He may be scary, but Akio and Venom were the ones who protected us." Takuzo said.
"He saved our lives and made sure we're safe." Naomi replied.
"I don't care what he within him. Whether he has another being within him or not, he saved us." Kawamoto said with a shy smile.
Most of the members of Takuzo's group agreed to be with Takashi, feeling safe with Akio. Venom paid them no mind, liking their company.
"I like that girl who uses that sword." Venom commented.
"Venom! Not now..." Akio blushed.
Saeko noticed Akio blushing, consider he was sitting next to her. Much to his embarrassment, she decided to be curious.
"What are you two talking about?" She asked.
"Nothing." Akio replied, appearing stiff.
"Your face is turning red. Are you sure?" Saeko persisted.
"I insist it's nothing." Akio responded.
Saeko didn't want to pester Akio any further. She noticed how tense he appeared.
'Geez, Venom. That was completely random to mention anything related to that.' Akio complained.
The Symbiote shared a chuckle in response. It didn't help how embarrassed Akio was.
######
Hours have elapsed. It was currently night time. Rei looked twitchy, not wanting to be near Shido's presence any longer. She recalled earlier seeing Akio threaten him, but it appeared that didn't deter the teacher.
"Everyone, I'm more qualified in being a leader. I can ensure your survival if you join me and my students." Shido offered.
"Not on my watch. Keep your influence to yourself, lest you want me to silence that mouth." Akio said, telepathically telling Venom to wrap on his arms.
"Oh? Aren't we a rebellious one? Too bad for you, the New World order won't allow such behavior." Shido said.
Akio's patience ran thin. Shido noticed the Symbiote forming in response to his anger.
"I'm warning you to shut your fucking mouth...! You're a nuisance..." Akio shouted, clearly expressing his disdain to Shido.
Everyone was alerted by the shout. Akio looked tense, almost comparable to Rei's disgust. The spear user watched as she knew Shido was irritating him. It made her yearn for him to suffer. Much to her frustration, Shido obeyed. He kept quiet as he sat down. Shizuka thanked whatever deity that made Akio silence the teacher.
"We're tired enough because of events happening in the school. Keep it down." Shizuka said to the group.
"Ah, I rather keep the people in check. I'm still able to lead thanks to my wisdom."
Shido said, showing a hidden, venomous smile.
Though his group didn't notice, Takashi's group was able to see through his lies. It made Rei had enough of his presence.
"I'm leaving!" She said.
"Rei, wait!" Takashi said.
"Oh? Looks like Miyamoto won't join my leadership. Too bad, such a waste." Shido said.
Akio had enough. Disgusted by Shido's speech, he merely backhanded the teacher, knocking him unconscious.
######
Outside, Rei had a hidden delight seeing Shido being silenced. She couldn't take being in the bus with him.
"Rei, wait up!" Takashi shouted.
"I told you that you'll regret saving him! Why didn't you listen?" Rei said to Takashi.
"I don't know why you have such an attitude to Shido, but I'm thinking it had to do with last year. You never told me what happened that day and I was trying to figure out what was wrong." Takashi argued back.
Rei was silent, knowing she didn't share any info to Takashi of a past event with her and Shido. Much to her regret, she realized her repercussions.
'I'm sorry... I couldn't say what happened at that time.' Rei thought.
A loud car horn was blaring with increasing noise. Rei and Takashi had enough time to see a bus overrun with zombies and evading it.
"Oh shit... RUN!" Takashi said.
Shizuka drove the school bus back as the public transport bus raced its way through the street. Takashi and Rei quickly went to a nearby tunnel from an overpass to evade the bus. Unfortunately, they were cut off from an over bridge tunnel, due to the oncoming bus flipping on its side. Due to the crash, the gas tank was ruptured, which caused flames to sprout.
"Komuro-sempai! Miyamoto-sempai! Are you two okay!?" Akio shouted from the outside area.
"We're both okay!" Takashi said.
Akio had to recoil from the heat, remembering Venom's abhorrence to the high temperatures.
'Shit, I can't get close to anything loud or hot.' He thought.
"Listen, is there any place where we can regroup!?" Akio asked.
"We'll regroup at the East Police Station!" Takashi answered.
"What time!?" Akio asked.
"Around 7 PM! If we can't make it today, we'll try tomorrow!" Takashi said.
Several zombies soon got out of the flaming bus. All were enshrouded in fire, looking ghastly in appearance. Akio, due to Venom's reaction of flames, moved back. He then noticed the corpses collapsing seconds after exiting the bus.
'Venom, did you see that?' Akio communicated telepathically.
'I did. Those corpses don't last in fire either. Now we know another vital weakness to sort them.' Venom observed.
He then called out to Takashi.
"Komuro-san, we can use our cell phones to communicate!" Akio said.
"We could have thought that one out earlier!" Takashi remarked.
"I'll figure out a way! Get out of the tunnel! The bus might explode!" Akio said.
He quickly went back inside the bus.
"Marikawa-sensei! Move the school bus back! The public transportation bus might explode at any moment!" Akio said.
"Got it!" Shizuka responded.
She reversed the bus just in time as a sudden spark was heard from the gas tank.
######
Takashi and Rei raced their way out of the tunnel as they heard several sparks from the downed bus. Soon, they barely made it outside as the bus violently exploded. A river of fire raced its way out of the tunnel before exposing itself out in the open. The flames soon dissipated, giving the two teens some breathing room. There was a nearby hill.
"That was too close..." Takashi commented.
Their guard was down, allowing a zombie to suddenly tumble at Takashi. He was able to hold it off, thanks to a bike helmet on its head, preventing the zombie from biting him. It was turning into a struggle as the zombie's inhibitions of muscle usage were gone, allowing it to briefly overpower Takashi. Rei quickly bashed the zombie from the back of the head with a small boulder, killing it. Thankfully, he wasn't bitten.
"That was a hairy experience..." Takashi said.
"That man had a bike parked somewhere nearby." Rei pointed out.
"The helmet was the clue... It should be close. Judging how less damaged it looked, he must have been one not too long ago." Takashi noticed.
Above the nearby hill, there was a Kawasaki bike parked nearby. Takashi noticed the keys were still in the engine.
"We were lucky to find this bike... Let's hurry to the East Police Station. Hope the route to reach it isn't blocked." Takashi said.
He started the bike as Rei got on to the back. Both drove through the city as the light of the twilight sun began to fade.
