Chapter 26 - Various Places

"Ah~ It's been a long time since I've had a real shower!" Said Kurumi as she exited the bathroom, a towel around her neck.

"Don't waste the water too much, senpai. There are others waiting for their turn," chided her underclassmen, Miki, who had stripped her clothes and clad in a bath towel. "Now hand over the soap please."

"Hai hai," the older girl complied and Miki entered the shower area. Turning on the knob, hot water came pouring out.

"Still, it's very fortunate that we found another unoccupied shelter bunker, isn't it, Kurumi-senpai?" Said the white-haired girl as she washed her body.

Putting on her shirt, the senior replied. "Yeah, the water's still running, there's electricity, and the food supply can last us a few months at best. I say we can live here for a while without going outside."

"I'm still worried though."

"About Yuki?"

Miki nodded. "Yes, it's been a week since we left the virus facility and she's been acting weird ever since."

"It's no wonder," Kurumi picked up her shovel. "You understand the reason why, don't you?"

"Yuuta-senpai…" the whitehead answered.

"Seriously, that guy's a real jerk," spoke Kurumi. "He just had to stay and blow the whole place up, huh!? Acting like such a hero, didn't he think about Yuki's feelings at all!?" She slammed her fist into the wall. "Ha, I'm pissed just thinking about it."

Water continued pouring down in Miki's still body. "That's true, perhaps he really doesn't think about everyone else at all," the girl chuckled sadly.

"Alright, that's enough bad talking for one day," suddenly, the bathroom door opened and in came Yuuri. "Dinner is almost ready so hurry up you two." She clapped her hands.

"Ah, I forgot! I'll go now, see ya at the table, Miki!" Kurumi rushed out of the room.

"Now then, you hurry up too, Miki-san," urged the brown haired girl as she turns to exit.

"Ri-san, how is Yuki-senpai doing?" Asked Miki from the shower, her eyes trained on Yuuri's back.

Without turning around, the older girl replied. "She's fine, don't worry," before walking out, leaving Miki alone in the area.

"Alright, dinner is served!" Said Yuuri to everyone sitting on the table. "Itadakimasu!"

"Itadakimasu!" Repeated Kurumi, Miki, Shuuya and Yuki.

"Oh, finally, some beef cream stew!" Kurumi scooped some of the soup into her mouth. "Ah, so good! You're cooking's the best, Ri-san!"

The cook giggled at the compliment. "Now then, there's plenty left, so fill up everyone." The other four cheered.

"Hey hey, don't you think this cream stew is like Mii-kun?" Spoke Yuki cheerily.

"What do you mean by that, Yuki-san?" Shuuya asked out.

"Well, it's white and it has a nice and creamy flavour, just like our Mii-kun!" The pink haired girl explained.

The said girl blushed at those words. "Mou, what are you saying senpai, that makes no sense."

"Perhaps we should lick and eat you up to see if it's true or not," Kurumi made a scary face and the others besides Miki laughed.

"Hehehe, you agree too right, Yuu-kun?" Questioned Yuki to the empty space beside her, and the laughing ceased to exist. "Yuu-kun?"

The table was quiet for a moment before Kurumi decided to speak out. "Err, Yuki? Yuuta's…"

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Yuu-kun's not here with us, right?" Yuki said to the others with a bright smile on her face.

"Err, yes. That's right" Kurumi replied awkwardly.

The pink haired girl stared at the soup before her and closed her eyes. "Sorry sorry, it's just that…" the spoon in her hand began to tremble slightly and she suddenly rose up from her seat. "Ri-san, I'm done eating. I'll be in my room then." Before long she's already running out of the dining room.

"Yuki-san, wait!" Shuuya tried to chase her but was held back by someone.

"Leave her be, Shuuya-kun. She needs a little time off right now," spoke Yuuri. "I'll bring her food to her room later so she's not hungry."

The redhead relents without a word and sat back down. The atmosphere at the table was still with silence as everyone went back to eating slowly.

"She's been like that ever since we returned from that place without Yuuta," Kurumi voiced out her thoughts.

"Yes," the club president answered without opening her eyes.

"I still say we should search for him in that place but no, we just have to leave right away instead of finding him and chewing his ear out for worrying us with that sort of action," complained an angered Kurumi.

"We have no choice, senpai," Miki calmly opened her mouth. "The place was still burning when we landed and the area could be filled harmful radiations or poisonous gasses or worse, we could be easily infected just by entering that area."

Kurumi stood up and her chair flipped over. "Don't you all worry about him and Yuki? There's a limit to being understanding and calm, you know!"

"It's going to be alright, Kurumi-san," Shuuya smiled despite the death glare Kurumi was giving him. "Yuki-san wouldn't be here with us anymore if her loved one is gone. Because of that, I'm sure he's still alive and will come back to us in the future."

"How can you be sure of that?" Asked Kurumi, from her voice leaked out a little sense of hope.

"Hmm, friend's intuition, perhaps?"

"I'm back," said Yuki as she entered her assigned room in the bunker. "It's weird saying that when there's no one to greet you back," wondered the girl before she fell towards the futon on her backside.

The girl rolled from side to side on the futon. "It feels weird not having someone to sleep with you and keep you warm," her hand went over to her crotch. "And it's been a while since we've done it too," she stopped just before touching herself directly.

Lifting her hand, she caught sight of the ring on her finger. "Connected by our hearts until we die, is that really true," without warning, tears flow from her eyes. "Is that really true?" She covered her face.

Rolling over to her side, Yuki brought a hand to her stomach. "Don't worry, child. I'm sure you'll be safe with me here. Yuu-kun will return one day, and I know he'll be happy to see you," she said with tears still flowing.

"That said, I'm still hungry," the pink head proclaimed. I should at least eaten the stew before leaving. This is Yuu-kun's fault," she pouted but smiled a while later. "When you're hungry, go to sleep, is what I've heard. Guess I'll just do that for now," Yuki said with a yawn and fetched something from above her head.

"Good night, Yuu-kun," and with that, Yuki slept, clutching the sword Tamashiha in her arms.

"Aahh~"

Waking up, I yawned loudly for the first time in a week. The soft bed and blanket really warms and comforts you in the autumn weather. I felt like I dreamt something sad but the memory is fading fast from me. Moreover, why was I sleeping in a bed when just a few days before I was not sleeping at all? Where am I?

…Or so I would like to say but I won't say that kind of cliché line this time since the previous times have brought not so great results for me. Instead, what I should do is get up normally and go meet the other person living in this place.

And so, I got out of bed, opened the door and exited the room. "Okay, let's see if I can find him in this maze of a building."

Aside from being badly shortsighted, I also had a quite bad sense of direction, more from the fact that I like to go wherever I wanted to instead of the supposed destination. And in this place of many rooms, it's going to be a pain to find one person.

… Or so it should've been, but since I know he's going to be in just one room which I've been before, it's not going to be so challenging, provided I stay focused in that direction.

And thus, lo and behold I arrived at the research lab in which that person is currently sitting on a chair, facing away from me. 'This is a great opportunity, to kill him right here and now.'

Thinking that I sped up towards his position with fingers closed, ready to separate his head from the body.

…Or so it should've been, but why am I currently lying on my back on the ground right now?

"Ah Yuuta, I see you're already awake," Dad said with a smile, his hand veering close to my neck. "My my, you're so lively first thing in the morning. I never remembered you to be like this."

"Things change, and instincts can drive you to make really stupid things," I replied, trying to get up.

Father offered a hand and I grabbed it, standing up again. "That is so true, but that's not of concern here," jumping back, he took a fighting stance and spoke. "So, are you ready to stake your life for my research and reuniting with your companions?"

"First thing in the morning?" I complained unbelievably. "Isn't there something that should be done first before that?"

That question seemed to bring him to think. "Hmm, you're right. I suppose there is something you should be doing first in the morning."

"Right, right, for example, bre-"

"Here," an object came flying towards me and I caught it. "Make sure not to use it too much or you'll be tired later."

'Wha? What is this thing?' Looking at the thing in my hand, it seemed to be a cylindrical object with an opening at one end, and the insides felt… soft? The softness felt familiar and it took several more seconds before I realized what the object is.

"I don't need this!" I exclaimed, throwing the you-know-what at the floor, where it bounces perfectly towards a table. "I'm not that horny in the morning!"

"Oho… says the newlywed. I imagine you're still in your honeymoon mood, right?" Dad smirks, making me want to punch him even more. "It's not good to keep everything inside, just release it and you'll feel very refreshed, you know?" The man continued to speak.

Feeling anger and embarrassment rise up within me, I clenched my fist and tried to calm down, so as not to amuse him further. Breathing in and out slowly, my mind went back to the important matter at hand. "I'm ready for whatever it will take for me to meet Yuki again."

"That's good," surprisingly, Dad spoke seriously and does not continue teasing me. "You managed to stay calm, even when being purposely agitated. Most people in your position would let their emotions consume them and do very stupid acts and suffer from them. As expected of you, Yuuta." He clapped a little.

"I will take that compliment, even if I'm not perfect," I said since it's true that there's a higher chance of me raging at him than calming down. But that's what I'm after, to control my emotions better and improve my skills, even if it's only to turn back on him.

Seemingly satisfied with my answer, Father took off his lab coat and stood a few distances across from me. "Alright Yuuta, let's start this training now," he took on a fighting stance. "Come to me whenever you're ready."

"Right now?" I questioned. "Shouldn't I be having breakfast first? And doesn't your research takes priority? And just after I woke up?" I threw up my thoughts at him.

"A meal tastes better after you're done working out a sweat, I'll start the research after we're done eating, you're fully awake now, aren't you?" The man calmly answers my questions.

Sighing, I also took my striking position. "I don't have a choice, do I?" He shook his head. "Alright then, I'll make sure to earn that meal!"

"But in the end, I still lost huh?" Lying on the ground with bruises on my body, I contemplated my defeat. "I thought this would happen."

"Knowing of the results, you still took this path," my father approached me. "Your lack of faith in yourself disturbs me, but since it allows me to win, I'll consider this my luck," he extends a hand towards me. "Next time, try to believe in yourself more. You'll just embarrass our family with that level of skill."

I grasped his hand, not much different than mine even in size, and rise up from the floor. "I'll keep that in mind next time we spar."

"Good, now let's go eat something. Unfortunately, there's only canned food here, since I ate all the fresh food first, but not to worry, there's still much variety left for you to choose," Father boisterously stated. "We'll start on the tests on you after we're done like I said earlier. But while we're eating, I can tell you more about how I and your mother met," he continued talking. "Doesn't that seem exciting?"

Glancing sideways, I answered awkwardly. "Yeah, sounds fun… not much on the tests though." Truthfully, I shouldn't be spending too much time here, everyone's waiting for me after all, but going out without any sort of guidance is much more dangerous and probably time-consuming. "However, remember our deal." I reminded him seriously.

"Yes, I'm aware of that," he answered nonchalantly. "The equipment needs some major repairing and between my research and training you, it will most likely take several months for the machine to be fully operational."

'Several months?' I stared at him with shock.

He seemed to notice my look and spoke again assuringly. "Don't worry, I can guarantee that I'll find where your companions are staying when the time comes, and you will make it in time to see your firstborn child. This, I promise you," he smiled kindly, almost as if he's honestly believing that statement.

"Either way, I don't have a better choice, do I?" I sighed.

"Hmm… perhaps?" Dad smirked widely. "But for now, let's not think too much about the future and focus on filling our stomachs first," saying that, he strides forward cheerfully towards the eating area. Thinking about it, I should probably follow him fast before I got lost.

It won't do for me to lose spirit this early after all.

Omake

"H-H-Hey, Maki-chan," the voice of a little girl could be heard in the room. Her messy red hair even messier than usual as she rose up from her futon.

Right next to her, annoyed at being woke up, a little blonde girl of same age rubbed her eyes and spoke rudely. "What?"

"C-C-Can you come w-with me to the b-bathroom?" The girl asks her friend in a shaky voice.

"Go on your own, Ryuuko," Maki turned her down and wrapped herself in her blanket more tightly. "It's just at the end of the hallway."

Ryuuko did not move and spoke more. "B-B-But, it's scary this late at night, a-a-and ghosts might appear!" She looked around, almost as if expecting a ghost to appear from the dark corners of the room.

"Ryuuko, there's undeads right outside our building, and you're worried about ghosts?" Maki uttered in disbelief. "I knew you shouldn't be watching those ghost movies with Touko-san but did you hear me? No~ you don't. And now you're scared to even go to the bathroom."

"B-B-But you'll accompany me, r-right?" The red-haired girl was trembling now, either from terror or holding her urges in, or both. "P-Please, I'll do anything you ask tomorrow, I'll finish all my homework and I'll wash your hair and massage your shoulders and, and…" she trailed off.

Sighing, Maki lifted herself up from the bedsheets and grabbed her friend up. "Alright, I'll come with you, lest you wet yourself here and I'll have to clean it up."

"T-T-That's mean, Maki-chan. I can c-clean myself up j-just fine," even while shaking, Ryuuko can still retort.

"Yes yes, let's just get this over with and get back to sleep," the blonde girl replied with disinterest and picked a flashlight before the two walked out of the room, their greatest mistake that day.

Walking down the hallway, Maki led the way while Ryuuko held onto her shoulders, glancing over her own shoulders every second. Their steps echoed in the quiet space, darkness enveloping their surroundings with only the light in their giving them guidance and protection from the terror of the night. Occasionally, the pair could hear the groans of the undeads from outside the building, a reminder of the state of their world.

"Maki-chan, are we t-t-there yet?" Asks Ryuuko, her eyes staring at the broken windows for anything that might appear.

"It's not that far, Ryuuko," Maki replied, though one could faintly hear the slight fear in her voice. She focused her eyes on the light forward and tried to ignore any sounds that she heard.

Clinging tightly to her friend's shirt, Ryuuko asks again. "H-H-Hey, Maki-chan, are we there yet? T-This hallway seems to be l-longer than usual." The fear in her voice is not even hidden.

"T-That's just a trick of your m-mind," even Maki have begun to stutter in her words. "This is just the usual hallway, and we're almost near the bathroom," she stopped and shined at the door. "L-Look, here we are."

However, Ryuuko didn't rush over into the room and instead kept holding Maki's shirt. "M-M-Maki-chan, c-could you please… come inside with me?"

"What?" Maki shouted. "No, go inside yourself. I'll just stay here until you're done," she denied her request.

"P-P-Please, Maki-chan?" The red-haired girl begged with wide eyes. "I-I can't go in by myself."

Glancing left and right, where the darkness stared back at her, Maki replied. "W-Well, I guess I can allow it this once since you begged for it," she laughed nervously and entered the bathroom. "Now h-hurry up."

Stepping inside the small cubicle, Ryuuko closed the door slowly as Maki leaned against the other side. Shining the light around her while waiting, the sound of running water could be heard and the door opened again.

"I'm done," exclaimed Ryuuko with a satisfied look on her face. She then felt a piece of cloth fall on top of her.

"Good, now wipe your hands and let's go back to our room," said Maki and the two exited the bathroom.

"CRASH"

As soon as they stepped out, a crashing sound of something falling and breaking from fragility could be heard a few distances. Both girls immediately turned their heads towards the sound source as their body trembled.

"W-W-What was that?" Questioned Ryuuko, clinging to Maki's shirt again.

"I-I-It's n-nothing, it m-must be one of the club members f-falling at the stairs, I'm s-sure of it," the blonde girl answered, though uncertainty is present in her voice. "B-But just to be safe, l-let's not go and see who's there, o-okay?"

The clinging girl nodded, and they both took a step towards their room.

"CRASH"

However, the sound returned again and seemed closer this time, prompting the two little girls to halt their step and froze.

"T-T-That must be T-Touko-san, right?" Ryuuko spoke in the still and dark hallway.

"Y-Yeah, it must be, or H-Hika-san," replied Maki, her flashlight thoroughly focused ahead of her. "L-Let's not interrupt them then."

Not receiving any reply from her friend, Maki took a step forward, and another one, and another… before the crashing noise could be heard again.

"CRASH"

*mumble mumble*

This time, a mumbling voice reached the girls' ears, and fear began to creep even further into their hearts.

"M-M-Maki-chan, I'm s-scared," voiced Ryuuko, her whole body trembling. "P-Perhaps we should l-look who's making the noise."

With shaking legs, Maki answered. "I-If that will c-calm down your heart, t-then I guess I have no c-choice," she gripped the flashlight tight. "Stay close to me."

Moving together forward slowly, the two friends approached the corridor where the sound was coming from. Another loud sound was heard from the place, and they barely managed to contain their screams. Quietly, stealthily, slowly, assuredly, carefully, and fearfully, they ventured forward.

What awaits them around the corner was the sight of several human bodies, decomposing human bodies, standing still on the floor, their hollow eyes staring into their soul. The scent was real, as was the texture of the skin, and the fear they felt was also real. The only difference would be that they don't seem to be moving a limb.

Frozen in place for a few seconds, Maki and Ryuuko tried to step back from the unidentified human bodies and sprint away from that coordinate. Unfortunately, when they turned to the side, another object stands in their way and in their vision was another undead, but this one was moving, towards them.

It was then perhaps inevitable that the two girls would scream their hearts out so loud that the undeads outside the building noticed the noise.

After screaming, they didn't waste a second and ran away from the place, not looking into where they were going.

It was perhaps also inevitable that they would crash into another object. Slowly, they looked up and saw the pale face of a being staring back at them, hollow eyes and mouth in tattered clothes.

Stepping back, they hoped to make a run again, but the being crouched down without warning and spoke.

"What are you two doing this late?"

Again, inevitably it was that Ryuuko fell backwards, unconscious, on the floor, while Maki dropped down on her knees, a wet liquid flowing down her legs before she too dropped sideways from the pressure.

"What is with the two of them?" The pale being uttered, before hearing the sound of several steps approaching her.

"Yo, Aki! You found something?" The small figure of Touko appeared, her glasses gleaming in the flashlight. Behind her are Hika and Renya, both also holding a flashlight each.

"Yeah," Aki gestured to the two unconscious girls on the floor. "Apparently, these two girls are staying way past their bedtime. And they even interrupted my beauty sleep, and this is the last masker I have too."

Arriving at the scene, Touko flashed on the sight before her and sighed. "Looks like we have to clean the floor again, and Aki, I've told you not to walk out wearing that. Anyone would be scared in the night, especially these kids," she exclaimed.

"Hey, I'm not that scary," the other girl defended herself. It was at this time that another person joined them.

"Hmm… I apologize, but it seems that they caught sight of me moving my specimens around and the sounds and sight must've scared them," the resident researcher, Aosoi Shiiko greeted them. "They fled just as I was about to explain to them," looking at their unconscious bodies, she added. "To think they would still be scared of them."

"Err… I don't think you should be moving those things into the building," spoke Renya. "And why in the middle of the night?"

Shiiko lighted a cigarette up. "Precisely so no one would see them, of course."

"Haa…" Touko sighed deeply, adjusting her glasses. "We can talk about this later in the morning. For now, let's just go back to sleep. Hika, can you please carry Maki-chan? I'll carry Ryuuko-chan."

The meek girl nodded without a word and began lifting the prone figure of Maki.

Touko herself already having Ryuuko on her back, said to the others. "Alright, return to your rooms everyone, we've got two kids to take care of tomorrow, and you, Shiiko-san, have more explaining to do."

The others sighed and the Crew leader took towards Maki and Ryuuko's room. Internally, she sighed again.

When will everyone return?

I'm still alive! This story is not dead yet!

This story will end soon, I promise on my account that this will be completed before May of this year.

Well then, until next time. Ciao!