Hello, and welcome to the next chapter~
Mr Beaver Buttington; Sorry~ I do try and get out chapters as fast as possible.
Anime PJ; I'm glad you like the story! A dog actually did that to me and my friends once when on a camping trip, so that's where I got the inspriation for that chapter. But yeah, Saya notices Makoto now~
Nirvash Neo; Sorry if that's your personal preference. But Takashi does think of Makoto as a kid brother. But Takashi wont be without a pairing. Everyone in the group is going to have pairings.
Well, sorry about the wait, but its time to start the story!
Operation start!
Makoto P.O.V
I am waiting in the Humvee, with the others. We are going to do something that might be dangerous, but necessary. We, as me, Saya-senpai, Onii-sama and Rei-Nee-chan are going into the convenient store, as Takashi-senpai, Busujima-senpai and Kazuma-kun take lookout. And finally, Kohta-senpai said that he will stay with the Humvee with Shizuka-sensei and Alice-san with her dog.
Her dog...that dog is the one who made us all go into this place in the first place. But it doesn't matter. We can do it. We can get inside and get the food no problem. Even though saying that, it will be...even if it is supposed to be a simple mission...
Even though this should be a simple mission, nothing about our lives is simple. Not ever since, well this whole thing began. It will be bad if we die now, wont it? Either way, we need to be safe and come back here. Its going to be dangerous it makes sense that we four go.
Myself and Saya-senpai are, smart. We can do things and come up with plans and such if we run into tight situations. And Onii-sama and Rei-Nee-chan can kick butt if we come across something's.
Yes, that's how our plans go. Saya-senpai and I are the brains, and they are the brawn. Its simply something that you can't misunderstand when you look at our group.
We have different specialists within the group. For example, myself and Saya-senpai are intelligent. Shizuka-sensei can drive and has medical expertise. Rei-Nee-chan is good with spears and weapons like that. Onii-sama has his hand to hand thing, and knows how to use a weapon. Takashi-senpai is quite strong, Kohta-senpai knows how to use a gun. Busujima-senpai is trained to use her wooden bokken and Kazuma-kun is also trained on how to fight as well. Alice-san is just the adorable mascot, and she has that dog who ate our food...I'm over that.
I just want to get the food then get out of there. Who knows what's going to be in there, but I am prepared after all. I have to be prepared for such things. I can't even let my guard down for a single instance.
"So, Saya-senpai. Are you nervous about going into there?"
I had to ask senpai, because my hands are shaking. My palms sweat. But I can't show an uncool side to senpai, who trusts me now...I think. I hope that she trusts me anyway.
She shook her head at me softly.
"No. I am not nervous of anything. I'm a genius after all. Being nervous of something is plain stupid. There might not be anything in there. And even if there are, I'm sure those two lovers will be able to handle it. We aren't the fighters of the group, so we need to be protected. And besides, don't you have a gun?"
I inclined my head and showed her my gun.
"I do have a gun. But Saya-senpai, even if there is some scary things in there, I will protect you with my life. After all, the world will need smart people if this is ever resolved or what have you. So that's why, you need to survive."
I told senpai my honest feelings.
Senpai develops a small smile. Its really beautiful. Dazzling. I can't take my eyes off of her smile. It makes me feel like I can take on anything in the world, and then show her what I can really do.
"Makoto, you idiot. Yes, the world will need intelligent people. That's why the world will need me." I smiled, but then she adopted a frown. "You are also intelligent. So, the world will also need you as well. Don't forget the weapons everyone is using. Yes, they might be more athletic than we are and trained on how to use them. But remember this. It was someone intelligent who made those weapons they are using. The guns, and the melee combat weapons. It was intelligent people who came up with the designs. Say, who's idea was it for that screwdriver spear thing?"
I developed a small blush and looked to the side.
"M-Mine senpai. But it was Haru-chan who gave me the idea..."
Haru-chan. I can't forget her. Its...something that is simply unforgettable. That girl, gave her life for me. The least I can do now is use that life to help others as well. That's, the thing I can do in this world now.
"Even then, you came up with it. So, it was you who invented that weapon in that time. In any case, we are going to have to go in now, and make sure the other idiots don't kill us or something."
Hehe, I like her sense of humour at least.
"R-Right senpai. I...I shall protect you with my life."
I made a somewhat determined face. I am so nervous, but at the same time, I know that we are necessary for the plan to go off without a hitch. We...we should be able to disable security systems, should the need arise. And we have good observational skills. We could even get into the security office and use the cameras to map out the area of the shop, and the areas surrounding us.
Senpai stood up, looking confident. Yes, senpai is radiating confidence right now. It makes me want to emulate senpai. Being like senpai, who is always so confident.
I also stood up in this Humvee as the others gathered around. The others being the ones going. That is Rei-Nee-chan and Onii-sama. Onii-sama patted my shoulder as I smiled.
"Alright, Takagi-san, Makoto. You both ready?"
We both nodded. We both are prepared. I know that this is going to be tough, but it will be something that.
Rei-Nee-chan looked at the others and smiled.
"We'll be going in now. Protect the Humvee for us."
"Miyamoto-san, don't worry about the Humvee, we all should be sufficient. But, make sure that you come back with enough food for a number of days. We, might need the supplies...and make sure that the dog wont be able to get into the bags either."
Busujima-senpai shot a look at Zeke, who shivered. Possibly due to the overwhelming fear, Zeke rushed behind Alice-san who looks like she is protecting the dog.
"Hehe, don't worry senpai! We'll get bags that even Zeke can't get through!"
Well, at least she seems to be really pumped up for this huh. Yeah. She is really positive about this. I don't know if I can be as positive as she is, but I can at least marvel at her positivity.
"...I still don't understand why she calls Busujima, 'senpai' when they should've been in the same year..."
Saya-senpai muttered under her breath. I didn't catch much of it, but from what I heard, I had to agree. Rei-Nee-chan should've been in the same year, but due to that dirty bastard Shido, she had to stay behind a year. I'm sure that he got his kicks out of that. That son of a bitch.
He's just like that Yuuki...I don't want to see her ever again. She is a bitch, and I hope that...even though I know its wrong, I hate how she tried to take advantage of me. She...she made me feel so helpless...and I wont be helpless now. I will protect senpai.
"Regardless, does it really matter senpai?"
I made an offhanded comment.
Saya-senpai looked down at me, with a no nonsense kind of look. She, doesn't look happy that I said that. Maybe, its due to her liking to be the 'genius' and people shouldn't question her about it.
I smiled squeamishly. Senpai shook her head at me.
"I suppose it doesn't."
She crossed her arms under her breasts and made such a comment.
Even though she made that comment, she does sound a little angry about it. I suppose, from her perspective, she witnessed someone being stupid because Rei-Nee-chan showed respect when she shouldn't have showed respect.
Onii-sama then went over to Takashi-senpai.
"I leave the Humvee in your care."
"Yeah, count on me."
They 'bro fisted' one another. They do care for one another. Its quite obvious that they do. Even if...well, senpai liked Rei-Nee-chan a lot and I guess that they thought they should be together. But Rei-Nee-chan loves Onii-sama...I believe that she does anyway.
Alice-san rushed me, and hugged me around the waist.
"Do you have to go Nii-san? Can't you stay with me instead?"
I bent down to her level and petted her head.
"Of course I do. I'm sorry Alice-san, but they might need my...particular skills."
She made teary eyes.
I wished she wouldn't make such eyes at me. It makes me feel guilty about it.
"B-But...I don't want what happened to Daddy to happen to Nii-san as well...so stay with Alice Nii-san. We...We can go off on our own together..."
Hehe, go off on our own. Yeah, that's going to work because...not. We would die in an instant. Seriously, it would be like two children breaking off from the group and doing our own thing.
"I know you're scared Alice-san. But, don't worry about me. Rei-Nee-chan, Onii-sama, and Saya-senpai are coming with me. Saya-senpai is the smartest...and most beautiful...person I know. Rei-Nee-chan and Onii-sama are very good at fighting. So, I wont be alone, and I know that they will be able to defend me...l-like I defend them."
She didn't look convince, so I led her by the hand to Kazuma-kun.
"Say Alice-san, can you take care of this guy for me? Knowing him, he will get into dangerous situations with me not around."
Kazuma-kun looked offended. I tried to convey what I wanted to really say with my eyes. I looked at Alice-san and then him, back to Alice-san and finally back to him.
He looked, then nodded. He understands. I can place Alice-san in his protection if something happens to me.
Alice-san puts her hands together excitedly.
"I will make sure he doesn't do something dangerous Nii-san!"
"I'm glad I can count on you."
I ruffled her hair. Then, we all said our goodbyes. I promised Kazuma-kun that I would come back. I will come back.
"Makoto-kun...don't die. I promised myself, and Haru-chan that I would look out for you now. So don't break my promise to either her...or myself."
"I promise Kazuma-kun. Don't worry, just please protect Alice-san for me. She's really important to me. I think of her as my Imouto."
"I-Imouto? Not future wife Nii-san?"
Future wife? That would be a little weird. She's only...8 or something. And I am 16, I am double her age right now. Besides, I have my adorable senpai too look after. But, that doesn't mean Alice-san doesn't have a special place in my heart.
"Ehehe..."
"Sorry Alice, but Makoto isn't for you."
Senpai, from behind me coolly said.
But, what did she mean? I'm not for Alice-san? Who am I for then?
When I made suspicious eyes, senpai looked out of the Humvee. I turned back to Alice-san, and patted her head softly.
"You never know Alice-san. It might turn out that we are the only ones left~"
"Hehe, part of me wishes it was! But, that's only a small part Nii-san!"
I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Seriously, she admitted something like that. Everyone didn't look happy about that. But I had to look at Alice-sans adorable face.
She's looking up at me happily.
"I bet it was."
Soon afterwards, we four exited the Humvee after making sure that there aren't anything around. The place we are at is surrounded by large houses and such. This is a good part of the city we live in. High class houses and such.
The road we are on is pretty desolate. There's no one around, even the cars that are here seem to be off. They don't even seem to be have driven lately. There are also trees, very few trees to the left and right of us. But, they don't seem to be in full bloom.
"Lets go."
With Onii-sama leading, we started walking forward towards the department store. We went in a line. It goes Onii-sama, Saya-senpai, myself and finally Rei-Nee-chan. Yes, that's our formation.
The reason? Well, Onii-sama is going to keep his eyes front and he is the best fighter with us, so he can defend us. Saya-senpai has her eyes to the right, I have my eyes on the left and finally, Nee-chan is taking care of the back of us. She can knock the ones that get behind us away.
Saya-senpai and I came up with this basic battle strategy. Since we are going in a small team, which is easily manoeuvrable and will less likely make noises, we decided that we should all take a 'side' meaning we all have a certain unique job to do.
Plus, there's the fact that we are currently holding hands! That's the good thing about this formation! Since we can't look forward, we are all holding hands. I-I myself have a tight grasp of my adorable senpai's hand. And of course Rei-Nee-chan's hands. Saya-senpai has a hold of Onii-sama's sleeve saying "I refuse to hold your hand!" but, she is holding my hand so...
We walked in a straight line, no one stepping outside of the metaphorical line that we have made. This way, we should be able to avoid the worst case scenario. Since we can't go around the front, for there might be lots of 'them' around, we went in the back entrance.
We will just have to hope that there aren't any of 'them' at the back entrance.
We walked around the back, not spotting even one of 'them'. Its a good thing that we haven't, as they scare the crap out of me. I've killed before, but I still feel bad about it, even if it is necessary.
"Alright...the door is locked...electronically. Takagi-san, Makoto. You both are up."
An electronic lock? Saya-senpai and I broke hands with the others, and examined the panel next to the door. I see, its a basic keypad. From the space on the little screen that's above the keypad, I would say that its a four figure number.
"Makoto, lets get to work."
"Understood senpai!"
So senpai and got to work, doing what we do to hack into the control panel. It isn't easy, since we don't have any technology to work off. But its better that we go with this door, than going in the front door. It could be dangerous. No, make that it is going to be dangerous.
"Just a little bit here...and there..."
"Hmmmm...then we do this and..."
Beep.
Two minutes later, it made the noise saying that its the correct password. Hmm, that wasn't so hard.
"Ta-dah!"
Open!
The door opened softly. Saya-senpai and I looked at one another. So simple.
"Hmph, its because we are geniuses after all. A simple door like that wont stop us."
Burst!
"Iyaaaa!"
The door burst open, to reveal one of 'them'! It lunged at senpai, so I shoulder barged it, knocking it off balance a little. Senpai moved away but ended up falling!
"Senpai!"
Catch!
Fall!
Even though I tried to catch her, I ended up falling backwards, which senpai falling on top of me! Ehehe...senpai is so close to me...I can smell her hair. Even though it is hitting my nostrils...it smells really enchanting.
"Hyaaa!"
Onii-sama jumps from behind us, and smashes his bat right across the things head. It was sent to the ground, but it was still moving. Ugh, these things really are bad at staying dead!
"I got this!"
Rei-Nee-chan made a stab with her pseudo spear, piercing the monsters head! It stopped moving, indicating that it is in fact dead...again. Fully dead. Dead as in dead. Really dead.
"Owww my chest..." Senpai looked down at me. Her face became really red. I couldn't help but think that senpai looks really cute right now. "Ma...Makoto...baka! You suddenly hugging me like this!"
She got up and shook her body! Ehehe...w-what did I do? All I did was try to help her not fall.
I stood up with the help of Onii-sama. I looked at Saya-senpai who faced away from me. S-Seriously, what did I do to her?
Rei-Nee-chan looks between us before shaking her shoulders softly.
"Well, we can go in now."
"That's certainly true Rei-chan." Onii-sama looked at Saya-senpai who is still facing away from us. "Ugh, is something the matter Takagi-san?"
Saya-senpai faced our direction, looked at me with a red face, then looked at Onii-sama with a neutral one.
"Of course there isn't. Lets just get this food, so we can get out of here."
"Ah...if you say so Takagi-san."
Onii-sama went forward, and grabs the doorknob. I got out my gun and pointed it at the door. Rei-Nee-chan has also got her weapon at the ready. Saya-senpai is looking at the door, with narrowed eyes. She doesn't have a weapon...I wonder if she would like to have my gun?
"Lets go in."
Onii-sama opened the door, Rei-Nee-chan went in with Onii-sama following. I went in next with Saya-senpai following in last.
Inside looks like...well, it has two passageways. One going to the left, and one to the right. Both corridors, have doors on both sides. From my position, I can't see any of 'them' so we should be safe.
No, there's never safe in this hell.
But, which way do we go? I can't tell which way is to the store, and what is down the other corridor.
"Hisashi, there's two ways..."
"Yeah. But which way do we go?"
Good question Onii-sama. If we all go left, then might reach the store, or we might get to the security room. And the same on the other side. We don't really have time. Since, we saw one of 'them' in here, there might be more. We might be overrun.
As I was pondering this, senpai breathed through her nose.
"There's two ways, not a lot of time. We will just have to go both ways."
"Both ways? What do you mean Takagi-san?"
Rei-Nee-chan seemed shocked, as did the rest of us. Saya-senpai crossed her arms.
"Look Miyamoto. We have two ways to go, and not a lot of time. Either myself...or Makoto can take care of any security systems and whatever else might come up. And we have two fighters here with us. So, the only logical thing is to split up, cover more ground. And, we'll meet here in around 10...no, make that 15 minutes."
She wants us to split up? Why would she want us to do that? I...understand the basic theory behind it of course. But to actually split up from the others, is something I don't know if I can do...
"Takagi-san...that's a little dangerous. What if more come?"
"What if we waste time and get eaten anyway?"
Saya-senpai countered Rei-Nee-chan who looked unsure. Even I am a little unsure as what to do. There's safety in numbers, but there might be something down one of those corridors, that might kill us.
"There's safety in numbers Takagi-san!"
"Well, there's also death for time wasting!"
Rei-Nee-chan and Saya-senpai square off, against one another. I don't know...senpai or Rei-Nee-chan...they both have compelling arguments. If we go together, its safer, yet we waste time. But if we spilt up, its dangerous, yet its also time effective. Both have ups and downs, but which is the correct solution?
"You know, if we keep wasting time here, they might come and get us anyway. We need to make a decision, and majority rules."
"Onii-sama, what if we come to the tie?"
"Then...we'll flip a coin and pick sides."
He answered me, looking straight into my eyes. He wasn't messing around. I could tell it from his look. Yes, he isn't messing around at all.
"Then, that's fair. Alright. Since we know my and Miyamoto's opinions on the matter. Igou, Makoto. You both decide as well."
So its up to us huh. I don't know if I like having that kind of responsibility.
"Fine, I am going to side with Rei-chan on this. Its safety in numbers. While I can see your side Takagi-san, I think that it is too dangerous." Everyone's eyes then fell upon me as I shifted nervously in spot. "So, Makoto. What do you think?"
Onii-sama is asking me something like that. Rei-Nee-chan and Onii-sama are both looking at me with smiles, while Takagi-san is looking at me with crossed arms.
Okay, to do the one with the most success, then I would say...Saya-senpai's plan has the one that will succeed the fastest. Plus the corridors are narrow. There isn't much chance for us to be surprised. But at the same time, there might be a chance we get surrounded...but that might happen if we were together anyway.
"I...I am choosing Saya-senpai's plan."
"Makoto, is it because you have a..."
"No Onii-sama. It hasn't gotten anything to do with feelings. It has to do with my own judgment. I made a quick analysis of each plan, and weighed up the options. Saya-senpai's one is the one that has the most likely one to succeed the fastest. Time, isn't on our side Onii-sama, Rei-Nee-chan. I'm sorry, if it was any other circumstance, then I would've chosen your plan. But as we currently are, we have hungry friends, and there might be trouble at the Humvee. So...we have to go separate ways."
"Then its a tie."
Senpai nodded in agreement with Rei-Nee-chan. It is a tie. So, the next one is...
"Here, I've got a coin."
Onii-sama took out a coin, and put it on his thumb.
"You call it. Heads or tails?"
"Heads of course, as we have the brains."
Saya-senpai said strongly. Onii-sama rolled his eyes, and flipped the coin.
The coin flew through the air upwards, then it descended upon us. Onii-sama caught it and put it on the back of his hand, covering it with his palm.
When he removes his hand, we will be going with one of the plans. It kind of makes me feel nervous.
He uncovered his palm! I looked and saw...
"Well, it seems like my plan is the one we go with."
"Yes Takagi-san, you win...or lose. Either way. Who goes with who?"
"Well Igou, I will go with you. Miyamoto can go with Makoto."
I curled my upper body a little in surprise. She wants to go with Onii-sama?
"Yes, that makes the most sense."
Even Onii-sama agreed. Rei-Nee-chan has scrunched up eyebrows, and so do I. So, they want to go together huh. Well, I guess that...that is the most logical choice after all.
"Hmmmmm, so its me and Makoto huh."
Rei-Nee-chan doesn't sound happy. Maybe, its because of the same thing I'm a little unhappy about. I know that Onii-sama loves Rei-Nee-chan very much, but Saya-senpai and him alone together...he's always been the one girls like after all...no! Its just stupid to think like that. Saya-senpai wouldn't just go off with Onii-sama...right?
"Yes, is that fine Rei-chan?"
"Yeah, I guess it is. I...I will protect Makoto, and he can watch my back with the gun."
"Right. Miyamoto, you and Makoto go left. Igou and I will head right."
Saya-senpai suggested...no, more like ordered.
Rei-Nee-chan nodded reluctantly.
After exchanging our goodbyes, senpai and Onii-sama went to the right. I turned to Rei-Nee-chan who is looking at the departing duo with narrowed eyes.
"Rei-Nee-chan...we should go." I tried to get her attention, but she didn't respond. "Rei-Nee-chan, did you hear me?" Again, there wasn't any response. Just the look of pain on her face. "Nee-chan...hello? You there?"
I pulled her arm hard.
She snapped out of whatever she was in and looked in my direction.
"Yes, lets go."
I nodded and together, we walked right very cautiously. This is a little dangerous, but this is something we need to do.
"Makoto..."
"Yes, Nee-chan?"
She shook her head.
"Never mind. Its a silly notion anyway. Hisashi knows that you have a crush on Takagi-san and that I love him and he loves me...ugh, its silly, isn't it?"
"Y-Yes...but is it silly that I thought something similar just before?"
"To be honest, not really. Its only natural to feel a little jealous as they both are attractive people...even if you don't think that about your Onii-sama...to girls he is quite attractive."
"I-I guess. Completely different to me huh..."
When I trailed off sadly, Rei-Nee-chan stopped moving forward, faced my way and bonked me on the head.
"Of course not silly. You're rocking the Shota look. If Hisashi was out of the picture then..."
"Hehehe...Nee-chan, that's kind of you...b-but I think that's..."
Rumble!
From behind Nee-chan, something came out! Nee-chan got in front of me, weapon at the ready. I also got my gun and pointed it in that direction. I'd prefer not using it here as it might make a loud noise but if I have to then I will.
My eyes caught a shadow move on the ground as I looked up and saw...
"You..."
"No way..."
Nee-chan and I couldn't believe our eyes...because the person in front of us is...the bitch. That bitch that's in front of me, is someone I didn't ever want to see again. Yes, her.
"Hey...Makoto-kun~"
"Yuuki."
Yes, the girl...no. The thing in front of me is her. Yuuki. That God awful would be rapist. If it is even possible, I feel more frightened than I did before. She...is the person who wanted to...rape me...Yuuki...
Cliffhanger! Yuuki, Makoto's would be rapist has appeared! How will things turn out? Well, you'll have to wait until next chapter!