HOTDR Chapter 17: Dead Bait
Last time on Highschool of the Dead Revamped…
Saya came into the lobby and stopped as she saw Momosuke carrying another girl. She looked away and walked to the staircase with her cup of apple juice. Momosuke looked over his shoulder at Raven and sighed to himself.
Momosuke: We need to get fluids in her right away. She could be-
Everyone heard a loud bang on the revolving doors and turned around; Kiba turned around with his lever action shotgun ready as he cocked it, Rika pulled out her Beretta from the holster and aimed it at the door. A girl that seemed to be no older than 18 was standing there, pressing her body against the wall and holding her leg. Her lower half was blood stained and her left thigh was gashed open just above the knee. Everyone stared at her without saying a word.
Wounded Girl: Help…
Later that same morning Momosuke, Kiba and Raven made it back to the hospital safe, the strange girl was in the infirmary under Shizuka Marikawa's care and she had received 7 stitches in her thigh. She was shot but the bullet didn't pierce her leg, just hit the outer layer of skin and tissue causing it to bleed hysterically. She would soon make a full recovery. Rika and Takashi entered the room.
Shizuka: Rika-chan! Takashi-kun!
Shizuka ran over to Rika and jumped on her, giving her a big hug. She then went to Takashi and buried his face in her chest as she hugged him.
Takashi (muffled): Hey! Hey, Ms. Marikawa! I can't breathe!
She let go of his head and he pulled his face away from her chest while gasping for breath. Takashi looked over to Raven who was still asleep but the other girl was staring out into the sunshine through the window. Takashi walked over to her.
Takashi: Hey, miss?
She looked to him and rubbed one of her eyes, trying to clear it.
Takashi: How are you feeling?
Stranger: I'm alright. Thank you for helping me. I'm very thankful that there are still nice people out there.
Takashi: Thank you. We try to take care of the good people out there that need help. What's your name?
Stranger: Sakura. I'm Sakura Tatanobu.
Takashi: Sakura… Nice to meet you. I'm Takashi, and I'm a cop.
Rei: No you're not.
Rei entered the room behind him and stood next to him with her arm around his waist.
Rei: I'm Rei and the lady that helped you was Ms. Shizuka. She's our nurse here.
Shizuka nervously waved to Sakura and Sakura smiled at her. Rika walked over to Sakura's bed and looked at her intensely. There was a brief moment for the awkward silence.
Sakura: Uh… Hello?
Rika: I'm Rika and Takashi and I share leadership here. If you plan on staying, I'll need to talk to you privately.
Sakura: Yeah! I'd love to stay here with everyone. It's quiet, peaceful and you all seem like really nice people.
Rika: Uh huh. Takashi, outside.
Takashi: Huh? But-
Rika: Outside.
Takashi: Okay.
The two left the room and went about halfway down the hall, away from the room with the new patients.
Takashi: What's wrong?
Rika: I don't trust this girl.
Takashi: What's wrong with her?
Rika: She's too happy to have been out there that long.
Takashi: What do you mean?
Rika: Do you hear her tone of voice? She sounds like a high school cheerleader. She's too happy.
Takashi: Come on, Rika. She's just happy and thankful that we helped her.
Rika: Look at the wound on her thigh. It looks self inflicted.
Takashi: How can you tell that?
Rika: If she were running and a bullet grazed her, it wouldn't be facing in a diagonal direction.
Takashi: Yeah… That's true. We'll keep an eye on her then. I'll let Momosuke and Rei know about this, okay?
Rika: Okay. Thank you. I'm going to count food to see what we have for the winter.
Takashi: Got it.
The two went in separate directions; Takashi went back to the room with the others and Rika went to attend to her duties. Downstairs, Momosuke was in the laundry room changing his clothes from the washer to the dryer. As he reached down to grab another handful of clothes, he looked to his left and saw Saya enter the room as well with a basket of clothes. She paused in the doorway for a moment and when they made eye contact, she turned her head to the right, walking over to the other machines on the opposite wall. She set her basket on the floor and turned on the machine to begin filling with water.
Momosuke (nervously): Uh… How are you, Saya?
Saya: Fine.
Momosuke: Ah. That's… good.
He went back to loading clothing into the dryer. She looked back to him and before he could notice, she looked away. Once she put all of her clothing into the machine, she closed the door and left her basket there. Momosuke looked back to her.
Momosuke: How… have you been holding up?
Saya: What?
Momosuke: You know… the whole situation. With us?
Saya: There's nothing to it. I'm done with you.
Momosuke: Is there anything we can do to fix it?
Saya: Why don't you ask your new girlfriend?
Momosuke: Huh…?
Saya scuffed and began walking away.
Momosuke: Hey, hey!
He ran over to her and stood in front of her.
Momosuke: What are we talking about? Girlfriend?
Saya: Never mind.
She walked around him and left the room.
Momosuke (thinking): Girlfriend… The fuck?
An hour has passed by since Momosuke and Saya's awkward meeting and Nado was with Totsuka in the meeting room. Totsuka was on his skateboard showing Nado a few tricks with his music playing aloud.
Totsuka: See? All you do is put your heel on the back of the board and kick up. Gotta leave your free foot on the front for counterweight.
Nado: I think I get it now. That would've been helpful to know 10 minutes ago before I nearly killed myself on that thing.
Totsuka: Hey, nobody told you to touch my board without asking.
Nado: Yeah, whatever. Sorry about that by the way.
Totsuka: Don't worry about it, dude.
Nado sat on the floor and laid back with his legs flat and crossed at the ankles. He rested both hands behind his head. He began staring at the roof and thinking to himself while Totsuka rode around in the room for a little bit.
Totsuka: You miss them a lot huh?
Nado: Every day.
Totsuka: Well, now that you lightened up to the rest of us, you're our little brother too.
Nado: Ha. Yeah, right.
Totsuka: Hey, I'm serious dude. You're still an asshole, but you're our asshole… Wait-
Nado: I know what you meant. I just don't think everyone thinks the same as you do.
Chie: Of course we do.
Chie walked in the room and closed the door behind herself.
Totsuka: Oh hey, sis! What's up?
Chie: Just checking on baby bro and Nado.
Totsuka: Baby? Hey, I'm not a baby!
Chie: Yeah you are!
She walked over to him and started pinching his cheeks.
Chie: See! You got da baby cheeks! Who's a big boy? Who's a big boy!
Totsuka: Knock it off!
He swatted her hands away.
Chie: What are you two doing in here?
Totsuka: Just a little brotherly bonding. I think if we're going to be here for a while, we might as well get to know each other a little better.
Chie: You know, Nado. I gotta say, you're definitely a lot nicer now than you were before. What changed your mind about us?
Nado: Well, you guys are my only family. And I didn't realize what I had until they were gone. I don't want to have regret for the rest of my life.
Chie: You won't. Especially since we're here for you, you don't have anything to regret.
Nado turned his head away from Chie and began blushing at her words. Totsuka got off of his board and stepped on the end, causing it to pop up into his hand.
Totsuka: Chie, where's your blades? You haven't worn them in forever.
Chie: They're in the closet. I've been pretty focused on learning a lot from Ms. Shizuka. I want to be a help to the group so I wanted to learn something that could help everyone.
Totsuka: Ah. Kiba and Momosuke have been training me on doing runs. The more experience we have out there, the better.
Chie: Agreed. We're both doing something. What about you Nado?
Nado: Hm?
Chie: What have you been learning to contribute?
Nado: Uh…
Chie and Totsuka stared at Nado, awaiting an answer.
Nado: I mean… I don't think I'm exactly cut out for supply runs. And nursing is kinda girly. What else is there?
Chie: Maintenance! You could learn from Rodack and Iori on how to work on cars and how to fix the generator in the basement if it ever fails on us and stuff like that. Everyone has a part!
Nado stood up and walked over to Totsuka and Chie.
Nado: Thanks you guys.
He walked by them and left the room, closing the door behind himself.
Totsuka: The hell was that about?
Chie: I don't know… Hey! Turn that up!
Totsuka rushed over to his phone and turned up the song and Chie started riding Totsuka's skateboard.
Kohta was walking through the halls on his way to the cafeteria for a snack and as he was almost there, he saw Rodack in the corner of his eye.
Rodack: Kohta!
Kohta (turning to him): Huh!
Rodack: Did you leave your rifle on the roof?
Kohta: Uh… Maybe…
Rodack: I know we had this talk before. What have Rika and I told you about leaving your rifle unattended?
Kohta: It could grow legs and walk away?
Rodack: No.
Kohta: It'll jump off the roof and commit suicide?
Rodack: Kohta.
Kohta: Okay, okay. Sorry. I just came down for a sec. I wanted a snack.
Rodack: Don't worry about it. I'll have someone bring it to the armory later. It's my shift.
Kohta: Oh thank God.
Rodack: Get some sleep. You need it.
Kiba: Yo Kohta, Rodack. What's up guys.?
Rodack: I'm about to start my shift on the roof.
Kohta: I'm going to get a snack.
Kiba: I'll join you.
Rodack shook his head in disappointment and walked away. He had his rifle in hand and walked to the stairs but as he was walking, he saw Momosuke walking with his hands in his pockets and looking down at the floor.
Rodack: Momosuke?
Momosuke: Hm? Yeah?
Rodack: What the hells the matter with you?
Momosuke: Nothing. It's… It's stupid.
Rodack: It's Saya, isn't it?
Momosuke: No. It's just… yeah. Yeah, it's Saya.
Rodack: You didn't even feel like making up a lie. That bad, huh?
Momosuke didn't answer. He just looked back down at the floor and began walking away.
Rodack: Hey, follow me.
Momosuke: Why?
Rodack: Shut up and come on.
Rodack led the way to the roof and on the way up, he stopped at a tiny storage closet door in the stairwell and grabbed an extra lawn chair. The two continued up to the roof and Rodack handed Momosuke the chair. He unfolded the chair and sat it down next to the chair Kohta left for Rodack. Rodack saw that Kohta did leave his gun up there and handed it to Momosuke before sitting down. The two sat there and stared out into the sky, also watching out for any infected or anyone alive.
Rodack: So. Woman troubles.
Momosuke: Oh, come on. Can we not do this now?
Rodack: Nope. We're doing this now. You need to snap out of whatever funk you're in kid.
Momosuke: How? She won't even talk to me. Let alone give me the time of day.
Rodack: As close as you two were, you shouldn't even need to use words.
Momosuke: Huh? What do you mean?
Rodack: Start doing things for her that you don't need to say. Like make breakfast for her. Or help her with her laundry when she is in there - yeah, I saw that.
Momosuke: Ah. Awkward, huh?
Rodack: Yes. Very. It's the little things that ladies think about. I'm sure she'll start talking to you again in no time at all.
Momosuke: You really think that will work? She's not like other girls, Rodack.
Rodack: Trust me, kid. No woman can resist when a man helps them out. No matter what they say and how "independent" they are, they always like the extra help. Unless they're a transvestite. Then we get into-
Momosuke: Okay! I'm going downstairs.
Rodack: Well, hey. Make sure you put Kohta's rifle up with the rest, okay?
Momosuke: Yeah. I got it.
Momosuke walked over to the roof entrance to the building with Kohta's rifle in hand and went inside. On the other side of the building, Kiba and Rika were walking together, patrolling the building; Kiba was holding his Chiappa 1887 lever action shotgun in his right hand and Rika had her sniper rifle, the PSG-1, with the strap around her shoulder.
Rika: Kiba, you know why I asked you to walk with me, right?
Kiba: To tell me what an amazing brother I am and 10 reasons why you're not going to kill me?
Rika: Oh, so you know I'm not particularly happy with you?
Kiba: Ugh… Yeah.
Rika: Care to tell me why?
Kiba: Because me and Momosuke went outside the hospital into the hot zone without letting you know or taking a full run team.
Rika: Since you know that, why did you do it? You had me worried sick about you guys. And then you bring back a stranger.
Kiba: Hey! I told Momo to leave her!
Rika: Kiba.
Kiba: Okay, okay…
Rika: No walkies, no flares. Nothing to let us know where you could've been. I thought I lost you, kiddo.
Kiba: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you, sis. But I had to get Momosuke out there to the fresh air. The guys a wreck after he and Saya broke up.
Rika: I realize that, but did you have to leave without telling me or Takashi? That's all I am saying.
Kiba: Alright, alright. You're right, as usual.
Rika: Don't say "as usual". I'm just right more often than most people.
Kiba: So… as usual?
Rika: I'm going to shoot you.
Kiba: Well let's not do that. I like my life as of right now.
Rika gasped and immediately thought about Tajima; that's exactly what Tajima said to her.
Tajima: Let's have a look at that leg.
Rika: Be careful. I'll shoot you if you hurt me.
Tajima: You don't have to worry about that. I like my life as of right now.
Rika looked down to the floor and began walking away from Kiba. Kiba paused in midstep and watched as she walked away.
Kiba: Hey, are you okay?
Rika (low voice): Yeah. Just don't scare me like that again.
She continued through the lobby and went to the the staircase to begin her patrol upstairs. Kiba turned around and began walking towards the back of the building to go through the daily security checklist.
Momosuke was walking to the front of the hospital and sat in one of the chairs in the lobby, staring outside. Takashi and Rei entered the lobby while everyone was enjoying lunch in the kitchen. Momosuke looked to them and then his attention went back to the window.
Takashi: No appetite, Momo-kun?
Momosuke: I'm just out of it… is all. What do you two want?
Rei: We just want to help. There's no reason for you two to be this upset.
Momosuke: "You two?" What does that mean?
Takashi: Come on. We're going out front.
Momosuke: What about those things? Aren't we still on high alert because they're in the area?
Rei: Rodack has watch. He hasn't reported any sightings to us.
Takashi: Come on, man. Get up.
Takashi grabbed Momosuke by the arm and helped him to his feet. The 3 walked to the front of the hospital and went out through the revolving doors. The three went into the parking lot and Momosuke immediately went onto the roof of an abandoned car and laid down on the hood with his hands behind his head. Takashi and Rei leaned onto the side of the car facing away from the hospital.
Rei: So Momosuke… You know she misses you right?
Momosuke: Doesn't seem that way.
Rei: You don't understand. She's going through a lot of emotions right now. You have to realize, she's never liked a guy as much as you and you went behind her back and did what you promised you wouldn't do. You betrayed her trust.
Takashi: I talked to her earlier today and boy does she get upset quick. I asked her what she wanted to eat for breakfast and she told me to move out of her way and that she'd make it herself. I know Saya and have known her for a very long time. She's mean, don't get me wrong. But she wouldn't act like that unless she was hurting inside.
Momosuke: Okay, I get it. You two think I'm an asshole. Is there anything else?
Rei: No, Momosuke. It's not that. We're trying to help.
Takashi: I think you should try to talk to her again.
Momosuke: Well I've seen where that's gotten me.
Takashi: You aren't trying hard enough. If she really cares about you, do you think she'll hear you out?
Momosuke looked to the bright sun and shaded his eyes with one hand. He began to think that Takashi was right. Maybe if he did put more effort into trying to fix things with Saya, maybe they would work things out. But just then, Rodack called out over the walkie talkie that Takashi had.
Rodack (over radio): Targets! West of your position! Get down!
The three look to their left to a pale blue truck cruising down the road and going right for them. Once the truck stopped in front of the building (approximately 40 yards away from the front door of the hospital), the front passenger pulled out an American style Uzi, one of the men in the bed of the truck pulled out an AK-47 and the third man pulled out a S.A.T. style Tactical Shotgun.
Momosuke: Shit!
Takashi: Get down!
Takashi and Rei ran behind the car and hid while Momosuke dived of off the hood and landed next to them behind cover. They were wearing black beanies and white t-shirts over their faces. They opened fire on the hospital, shattering windows and piercing the walls. Everyone in the cafeteria flinched in fright and immediately began to look for weapons to defend themselves. Shizuka was in the infirmary with Raven and Sakura, her two patients. Raven had woken up from her short nap and started to throw the covers off of her when Shizuka stopped her.
Shizuka: No! You can't go just yet! You're not back to your full strength yet!
Raven: What's going on out there?!
Lars and Kohta appeared in the door, checking in on the girls in the infirmary.
Lars: Is everyone alright?!
Sakura: I think we're all okay.
Shizuka: What's happening?!
Kohta: We're being attacked!
Shizuka: W-What?!
Lars: Stay here, and stay down. We'll fend them off.
Shizuka: Okay!
Lars: Come on, Kohta. We have to get moving.
Kohta: Y-Yeah!
The two ran off to go assist in fighting back against the terrorists out front. Rika, Iori, Kiba, Totsuka and Chie met on the second floor.
Rika: Who the hell are these guys?!
Iori: We're not sure. They drove up in a blue truck and opened fire.
Rika: We need to post along the second floor and the roof and neutralize the enemy. Kiba, with me. Iori, you, Totsuka and Chie will post up along the second floor and shoot to kill. Kiba, we're going to lay down cover fire from the roof for Takashi, Rei and Momo.
Saya: What? Where are they?
The group turned around to see Saya and Saeko standing behind Rika.
Rika: Saya, Momosuke is with Rei and Takashi… and they're under fire outside.
Saya: What…?
Rika: They're pinned down and we're going to get them in the building safely.
Saya looked to the ground as her heart pounded in her chest. Saeko put her hand on Saya's shoulder and she turned and walked away from everyone.
Saya (thinking): Momosuke…
Kohta and Lars came running down the hallway and ran into Rika and the others.
Rika: Kohta, you're with me. Lars, go with Iori and help them. They'll need you.
Iori: My team, let's move!
Saeko: What about me, Rika?
Rika: You… You need to keep Saya company. Don't leave her alone in case the trespassers enter the building.
Saeko: Okay.
Saeko ran behind Saya to catch up with her while Rika took her team to the rooftop. Momosuke, Rei and Takashi were still pinned down outside behind the abandoned car.
Momosuke: We need to do something! They're going to kill someone!
Takashi: I'm not armed!
Rei: I don't have anything on me, either!
Rodack was on the roof taking shots at the trespassers, trying to keep Momosuke, Takashi and Rei alive. The guy in the back of the truck with the tactical shotgun stopped to reload.
Tactical Shotgun User: We can take out the three behind the car! Jackhammer!
The man with the Uzi and the man with the AK-47 followed his order and the 3 began focusing fire on the car that Takashi, Rei and Momosuke were hiding behind.
Momosuke: Shit! We need to move! Now!
Rika appeared on the rooftop next to Rodack with Kohta and propped up her sniper on a bipod. She took out the man in the bed of the truck with the AK-47 and the men turned their attention to the rooftop.
Uzi User: They took out Hex!
Tactical Shotgun User: Rooftop! Take them out!
Attacker Driver: No! We're pulling out! The bait is already gone!
Uzi User: Let's get the fuck out of here!
The Tactical Shotgun User in the bed of the truck set his weapon down and picked up two molotov cocktails, one in each hand. He threw both cocktails at the windows on the second floor, breaking through the window and setting two rooms ablaze. After throwing the two cocktails, the truck pulled off while continuing to fire at the hospital. Once they were out of sight, Momosuke, Rei and Takashi hurried back inside where they were greeted Saeko, Kiba, and Saya.
Kiba: Yo, are you guys alright?
Takashi: I think we're all good.
Kiba: That's great to hear. NOW WHO THE FUCK WERE THEY?!
Rei: We don't know… But we're going to have to talk about what just happened. Makes sure everyone is okay make sure everyone knows that we're having a family meeting in the cafeteria at 8pm.
Kiba: I'm on it. Come on, sweetheart.
He tapped Saeko on the shoulder and the two ran off together, to let everyone know Takashi's message. Momosuke saw Saya standing there with her arms folded and looking away to the floor. Takashi and Momosuke made eye contact; Takashi nudged his head in Saya's direction and then he and Rei walked away. He walked over to Saya and stood in front of her.
Momosuke: H-Hey… Are you-
She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly. He was surprised by this reaction and returned her hug a few seconds late.
Momosuke: Did you miss me?
She pulled away from him.
Saya: Shut up. I was just worried about you is all. I'm still not talking to you.
She turned around and walked away from him, going towards the staircase. Momosuke stood there, confused at what just happened.
Momosuke (thinking): What… just happened? Did I just get rejected again?
Rika and Rodack went to the infirmary to check on Shizuka and her guests to see that her and Raven were unconscious on the floor. Rodack ran to check on Raven while Rika went to Shizuka's aid.
Rika: Shizuka! Shizuka, what happened?!
Rodack: This girl has a mark on her forehead. She's either been knocked out or she took a nasty fall.
Rika: Where is that other girl, Sakura?
Shizuka flinched in Rika's arms and began spazzing out, terrified for her life. Rika grabbed her face and held her still, making eye contact with Shizuka.
Rika: It's me, Shizuka. You're safe. What happened to you?
Shizuka (weak): Sakura… She… She attacked us.
Rika: What?! Rodack, radio the others! We need to find her, right now!
Rodack got on his radio and called out to the others and Kiba was the first to answer.
Kiba (over the radio): Where did she run off to, Rodack?
Rodack (over the radio): We don't know. We got to the infirmary and Shizuka and the patient were knocked unconscious.
Kohta (over the radio): WHAT?! SHIZUKA-SENSEI IS HURT?!
Rodack (over the radio): Calm down, Kohta! She's tough. She'll be okay.
Momosuke (over the radio): We need to fan out and find her. She can't get away.
Rika: Rodack, after this incident… I don't know if I trust other people anymore.
Rodack looked to Rika's eyes and knew she was angry, yet very sad at the fact that she can't trust people anymore. Rika has always been the kind of person to care about the wellbeing of others and would go out of her way to help. This new world is turning her into something she never wanted to become. But in order to keep the one's she loves alive… it's going to have to happen this way.
~A Little After 8pm - Cafeteria~
Everyone was in the Cafeteria sitting at the tables and chatting amongst themselves as Rika and Takashi stood in front of them. Takashi looked to Rika and Rika stared forward, noticing him from her peripheral vision.
Takashi (to Rika): Rika, what are we going to do about this?
Rika (to Takashi): What do you mean, Takashi?
Takashi (to Rika): The events of today, Rika. I know everyone is scared and doesn't know what to do. So what if-
Rika (to Takashi): We'll worry about that in short while. Right now, we're just waiting on them to get back.
As she finished her sentence, Rodack, Iori and Kiba came around the corner and entered the Cafe. They were holding their respective weapons; Kiba with her lever action Model 1887 shotgun, Rodack was carrying his AR-15 and Iori was toting around a Remington 870 shotgun.
Rika: Any sign of her?
Rodack: Negative. We've searched every hallway, every room, every restroom. We've searched this place from top to bottom and no sign of her.
Kiba: She… She got away.
Takashi: Damn… What do we do?
Rika: There isn't much we can do. I'm not going to authorize a search for her because that would be suicide. It's night and there's apparently someone that has a grudge against us. They could be out there right now.
Alice: When will the bad people go away?
Takashi: Soon, Alice. Very soon. Don't worry, okay?
Alice: O-Okay…
Takashi: Okay, so someone has a target on our backs… We know this. People don't stroll up to our front doors at random with t-shirts on their face, heavy weaponry and molotov cocktails with no purpose.
Saeko: It's gotta be someone we know. It's very unlikely that this is a random act of violence.
Takashi: I was thinking the same thing.
Saya: So what do we do then?
Rika: Let's talk for a bit. Iori, Rodack, Kiba, please sit down.
The three sat down at tables with the rest of the family and gave Takashi and Rika their full attention.
Rika: We've been in this hospital for what? A little over 3 months now? Does everyone feel safe here?
Rei: I feel comfortable here.
Kohta: I think of this place as a second home. I like it and I don't want to go anywhere else…
Totsuka: Yeah, I agree with Kohta.
Shizuka: I agree too! This is our home! And I want to stay.
Rika: Does anyone recall the incident that happened in the first month of our stay at Gansho Hospital?
Everyone was quiet for a moment as they recollected the dark past that they experienced during their stay. Kiba stood up.
Kiba: Yeah… I remember…
~Flash Back~
Kiba (voiceover): It was a very average day. We were enjoying ourselves and the fact that we actually had a secure roof over our heads. It was about 3pm in the afternoon when Saeko, Momosuke, Saya and I were out front having lunch together. It was a nice day out, and Rodack was on watch, so we really didn't have much to worry about.
Momosuke: Damn, Kiba. This is pretty nice.
Kiba: What the hell's your problem?
Momosuke: Nothing man. It's just, we've been on the run from the dead for a while so it's nice to be able to enjoy the sunshine with my friends and the lovely Saya Takagi.
Saya: Oh, shut up. You're such a kissass.
Momosuke grabbed her hand and kisses the backside of her hand like a frenchman, causing her to blush and look away.
Kiba: Ha ha! You're blushing, Saya!
Saya: Y-You shut it!
Saeko: Hey, don't tease her, Kiba. It's okay if Momosuke makes her blush.
Saya: What?! I'm not blushing!
Momosuke looked over his shoulder and could see three people running down the sidewalk towards them; they were running from a small group of undead. Momosuke and Kiba stood up and Saeko and Saya stood up behind them.
Momosuke: Saya, go inside and warn the others.
Saya: Okay!
She quickly ran inside. Saeko picked up her sword and unsheathed it, preparing to defend herself and her friends. Kiba pulled out Rika's Beretta and Momosuke pulled a silver Ruger GP1000 Revolver. Momosuke got on the radio and called for Rodack.
Momosuke (over the radio): Rodack, north of the building. Do you see that?
Rodack turned around and faced the front of the roof, seeing that there were 3 people running from a group of 7 undead that were following them.
Rodack (over the radio): Seven undead, three alive. Two males, one female. The taller male is injured and the male and female are helping him move away from the undead. They only have melee weapons, no firearms visible. Be advised.
Momosuke (over the radio): Cover us. If they make a move on us, kill them all.
Rodack (over the radio): Roger that.
Momosuke, Kiba and Saeko advanced towards the group of living to help them out. Momosuke and Kiba aimed their guns up and stopped in place.
Kiba: Get down!
The three ran to the right to avoid being shot. Saeko rushed in and began beheading the undead that were following the ground. Realizing that Saeko pretty much had that under control, Momosuke and Kiba both turned their guns on the ones that were still alive. The tallest one with the injured leg was Sajin, the other male was Takehiko and the woman of the group was Hanami.
Takehiko: Whoa, whoa! Hold on!
Sajin: Don't shoot!
Takehiko: We aren't causing any trouble!
Momosuke: Don't move.
Kiba went forward while Momosuke stood his ground, aiming at the newcomers until Kiba checked them for weapons. He took away the hand ax, metal pipe and butcher knife they all had amongst themselves. Kiba walked back over to Momosuke.
Kiba: They're clean.
Totsuka and Tak ran outside to give them their assistance.
Totsuka: What the hell's going on out here?!
Tak: Rodack called us down to help!
Momosuke: We should be fine. Saeko-
Saeko was walking back over to them with the blood of the dead on her sword. She flicked the blade to the ground once and the blood splashed to the ground. She sheathed her blade and continued to her friends.
Momosuke: Are you okay?
She nodded to him and then looked to the injured Sajin's leg.
Saeko: He's bleeding profusely. Is he bitten?
Hanami: N-No! We were running from the dead and ran into a building. He tripped over a metal table and when we looked, he had a small chunk of skin missing. Not a bite!
The blood was leaking over the side of his right sneaker and onto the asphalt. Totsuka looked to his leg with an eyebrow raised.
Totsuka: That's a lot of blood for a simple scrape.
Kiba: Let's see the leg.
Takehiko: What? Why?
Momosuke: We can help you. But you aren't going into our hospital without letting us see that leg. If he's bitten, he'll turn. And we will not risk having him turn on our people.
Tak: Our family.
The three newcomers looked to one another before looking back at Momosuke, Kiba, Saeko, Totsuka and Tak. Sajin lifted his pants leg and the group saw what appeared to be a swollen slash on his calf. They were telling the truth; it wasn't a bite.
Momosuke: One night.
Takehiko: Huh?
Hanami: What do you mean?
Momosuke: I'll have to ask our man in charge, but I say one night in the infirmary and then we let you guys go. We'll patch up your friend, give you some food for the road and wish you good luck.
Takehiko: W-What?! You guys can't take us in?
Momosuke: That's not my decision to make.
Momosuke and the others turned around and began walking towards the hospital.
Takehiko: You can't-!
Sajin: That's enough, Takehiko. Let's just be thankful that they're taking us in and feeding us. Something we haven't had for a while.
After getting inside, the three were sent to the infirmary where Shizuka and Chie were. Saya and Momosuke walked together to check up on the newcomers.
Saya: Shizuka-sensei. Chie-
Shizuka: Saya! Hi!
Chie: Saya-chan!
Shizuka grabbed Saya, squeezing her face into her boobs, nearly suffocating her in the marvelous pillows. She finally let Saya go and she gasped for a big breath.
Saya: Shizuka-sensei! I couldn't breathe!
Shizuka: Oh, I'm sorry! Sometimes I forget they're there.
Momosuke (thinking): Pfft, how could you? Those things like basketballs on her chest.
Momosuke looked over to see Sajin sitting up and staring out the window while Hanami and Takehiko played a card game. Kiba walked up behind Momosuke and tapped him on the shoulder. Momosuke leaned an ear closer to Kiba.
Kiba (whispering to Momosuke): I don't trust these guys. We need to keep a close eye on them.
Momosuke (whispering to Kiba): Agreed. I get an off feeling about these guys. I don't even trust these guys with cleaning duty.
Later that night while everyone was sound asleep in their rooms, the newcomers slept in the infirmary unattended. Iori was taking night shift on the roof, keeping an eye out for the dead… and the living. Momosuke and Saya were fast asleep, cuddled close together while they got some much needed rest. A little ways down the hall was Kiba and Saeko sleeping soundly as well. Kiba was lying on his back and Saeko was lying on her side with her left arm over his chest. Saeko rolled over and her movement slightly startled Kiba, causing him to wake with one eye open. Kiba suddenly felt his bladder filling up as he was lying down and sat up. He yawned and then stretched and got to his feet, walking to the private restroom that came equip in the room. He flicked the light on, closed the door, whipped it out and began letting nature do its business. After he was done, he squirted a small amount of hand sanitizer into the palm of his, rubbed it in, and went back to the main room. But when he went into the room, he saw something that made his heart skip a beat. Sajin was on the bed, sitting behind Saeko who was also awake and sitting. He had his left arm around her neck and a butcher knife to the side of her head.
Sajin: Oh, hello. Kiba, was it?
Kiba: Mother-!
As he charged forward, Takehiko surprised him with a block of wood to the forehead, causing him to fall to the tile floor. The surprise hit didn't split his head open, but it definitely put him down. Takehiko began wrapping Kiba's upper body in their bedsheets. Takehiko dragged him to the wall on the far side of the room near the window and sat him up, facing their direction. Kiba was weak and barely conscious after taking that blow to the head.
Kiba (weak voiced): You… Don't you… touch…
Takehiko punched Kiba in the face to shut him up. Saeko began squirming around as a tear came to her left eye. Sajin tapped her with the non-sharp side of the blade against her cheek.
Sajin: Shh… You don't want to make any noise. I'll kill you right here if you do.
Kiba's left eye was swollen and he tried to look to Saeko. He could see that she was beyond terrified for Kiba more than her own life.
Kiba (weak voiced): Why… are you... doing this?
Sajin: You assholes don't want us to join the group? You're going to throw us out onto the street like… like dogs? Is that all we are to you?
Kiba (weak voiced): I don't... care... what you do to me... but... just don't... do anything... to her.
Sajin: Oh? Don't do anything to her? No no, my horribly beaten friend. We're going fuck her any way we want and you're going to watch. If you make any sounds, and that's for either of you, we'll kill you both and leave.
Takehiko: Better not make a sound, bitch. Lay there and take it like a woman.
Kiba (weak voiced): You… motherfuckers!
Takehiko walked over to him and kneed him in the forehead, causing the back of his head to hit the wall behind him.
Takehiko: You talk too much.
Takehiko continued on and punched him once more to the cheek.
Sajin: Enough, Takehiko. Let's get started. We aren't staying here long.
Takehiko: What about Hanami?
Sajin: Fuck her. We don't need her to move on. She'll slow us down anyway.
Sajin threw Saeko down to the mat and began kissing her neck and licking her cheek. Takehiko began taking her pajama shorts off and licking her feet and calves while doing so. All Saeko could do was lay there and not make a sound for the sake of Kiba. Kiba used his one non-blurry eye to look and saw that Saeko was submitting herself to them and he was helpless. Sajin lifted her shirt, exposing her breasts. She tried to cover herself up but Sajin moved her arm away.
Sajin: Uh, uh, uh. None of that. You don't want anything bad to happen to your "man", do you?
Takehiko: So, let's get rid of these panties, shall we?
Saeko began crying; she couldn't fight back the tears any longer. She saw that Kiba was holding his head down, not looking at this ordeal. Suddenly, their room door flew open and a flashlight shined around the room.
Momosuke: Kiba, did you guys hear- WHAT THE FUCK?!
Kiba looked to see Momosuke, Saya and Rika standing in the doorway.
Saya: Saeko-chan!
Rika: Kiba!
Themselves exposed, Sajin and Takehiko quickly pulled up their boxers and pants and stood up with the knife. Saeko covered herself up with her pillow.
Rika: Motherfuckers!
Rika charged into the room and jumped into the air, delivering a flying kick that greatly resembled Bruce Lee's signature flying kick. She missed and hit the wall and Sajin swung the knife for the back of her head. She ducked and went for a punch then transitioned into a spinning roundhouse kick attempt. Saya ran from the door to the nearly 100% naked Saeko to help her and Momosuke went over to his best friend; but Takehiko walked in the way.
Momosuke: I knew we couldn't trust you assholes!
Takehiko: Whatever you say, you worthless piece of shit!
Momosuke ran to him and tackled him to the ground, punching him in the face. Takehiko rolled him over and elbowed Momosuke on the nose.
Momosuke (thinking): Bastard!
The two stood and began fighting. Saya helped Saeko exit the room and went to Shizuka's room to hide the near nude Saeko. Rika kicked him into the far side of the room, causing his back to hit the wall. Rika then delivered a straight punch to Sajin's nose, causing him to drop the knife and hold his face in pain. Rika picked up the knife and stabbed Sajin once in the sternum. Sajin held the knife as he slide to the ground from the wall.
As Takehiko threw a punch, Momosuke caught it, swept his legs out from under him and pinned him to the ground. He then used a military technique that Rika taught to the fighters of the group and broke his elbow backwards at the elbow. He let out a scream of pain and then Momosuke got on his knees and put his weight on Takehiko's back. He began punching the back of his head nonstop, causing his nose to rebound off of the tile floor. The several punches to the back of the head were causing his nose to repeatedly smash against the floor, sending his brain into shock and killing him. Still punching him, Saya came back to the room and saw him. After about the 12th hit, Saya rushed in and grabbed his fist, finally stopping him. There was a bright red puddle of blood on the floor surrounding the head of Takehiko. Kiba passed out where he sat as he was still bound by the wrapped bedsheets. Kohta, Rodack, Totsuka, Lars, Takashi and Rei all came running down the hall with firearms in hand. All of them were carrying pistols, no need for large firearms.
Kohta: Whoa…
The group saw that Rika was standing over Sajin with a knife in his chest and Momosuke was still over Takehiko with blood on his knuckles and Saya holding his arm.
Kiba (voiceover): Yeah. We remember what happened.
~Cafeteria~
Rika: Since we all remember what happened that night, am I wrong to say that we need to be very cautious about who we talk to out in the world?
Totsuka: Absolutely not. I agree with you, 100% percent. Saeko was almost hurt! Hell, Kiba was in the infirmary for nearly a week!
Rei: He's right.
Chie: Yeah. Next time, we might not be so lucky.
Takashi: With that being said, just because there are bad people in the world, does that mean everyone is bad?
The room was quiet for a moment, but then Momosuke decided to speak.
Momosuke: No. You know what I did that night. Am I proud of it? Not necessarily. But that doesn't make me a bad person. People can be trusted, we just have to be careful. Like Raven-
Everyone's attention went to Raven.
Momosuke: Kiba wanted to leave her out to die in the truck but I thought it over and thought that she'd be safer with us.
Raven (whispering): Um…
Momosuke: She could've easily taken our food and left before we knew it. But she didn't. She obviously wants to be with us… as a family.
Iori: But here's the thing. No offense, Raven. But we don't know her. She hasn't even been here 3 days! We can't count her as a part of the family.
Momosuke: It wasn't too long ago that you were new to the group, Iori. Let's not go treating her like an outcast just yet.
Rika: I will say this in her presence so there are no secrets. I don't trust "Raven". My opinion could change later, I'm an open-minded person. But as it stands for now, I will have a close eye on you.
Raven: Um… If I may be honest?
Takashi: Of course, go right ahead.
Raven: I don't really trust anyone either. Well, except for him.
She pointed to Momosuke.
Momosuke: Me?
Raven: Yes. You didn't leave me to die outside. I'm grateful for that.
Saya folded her arms and looked away from Raven.
Tak: Can we talk about this some other time? I thought we were here on business about the attack?
Rika: Yes, I'm sorry. We got a little sidetracked. Back to the matter at hand. These…
Takashi: Assholes. Let's be honest, they're assholes guys. Why would they come and shoot up the hospital? Any ideas?
Alice: They… found out Ms. Shizuka made cookies and we wouldn't share?
Takashi: N-No, Alice. That is not it. You were close though.
Lars: High five.
Alice gave Lars a high five.
Chie: It could be bandits. Or someone that has seen us and knows we live here.
Saeko: They could be after our supplies.
The group began murmuring, agreeing with Chie and Saeko. Nado was sitting next to Kohta with his arms crossed.
Nado: What about that asshole, Shido?
Everyone went quiet for a moment. Nobody has heard that name for a quite a little bit of time. It's safe to say that most of the group has forgotten about him.
Rika: What makes you think it was Shido?
Nado: I saw the incident from my room. I was reading another one of those books that we found at the bookstore the other day when I heard gunshots. So I went to the window and saw them in the truck, concealing their identities with high powered firearms. There's no way that was a random act of violence.
Kohta: I have to agree with him. It seemed way too organized. Planned out, you know? And it's probably safe to say that we haven't exactly been nice to Shido. He has the incentive.
Rei (thinking): Shido…
Chie: Whoa, whoa. Let's not jump to conclusions. We haven't ran into Shido for over 3 months. How do we even know that he's still alive?
Takashi: I agree. There's no ties to Shido that we've seen. But nonetheless, we can't count him out completely. Has anyone made any enemies that we should know about?
Everyone was quiet in the cafeteria. Either everyone was quiet because they haven't made any unwanted enemies, or they were quiet because they didn't want someone to find out their secret. Either way, no one said a word and forced Takashi to his next question.
Takashi: Well then, I'll take the silence as a no. Since we were under attack today, it's likely we're going to be attacked again.
Saeko: What should we do?
Rika: That's the main thing we wanted to talk to you all about.
Takashi: By show of hands… Who thinks we should stay and fight?
After a long moments time, Rodack raised his hand first. After Rodack was Totsuka, then Kiba, then Tak.
Takashi: Now, by show of hands, who wants to leave?
Lars was the first to raise his hand.
Lars: I'd rather leave and keep Alice safe than stay and fight when we don't need to.
Chie: I agree with that.
Chie put her hand up. After Chie was Saeko and then Shizuka.
Rika: Not everyone is raising their hands for a decision. Why is that?
Raven: Well, I don't know everyone to well. So I don't think I have the right to vote.
Rika: Fair enough… but you're here for the time being. Your vote means just as much as everyone else's. We're a democracy here.
Raven: Okay… Then I vote to leave. I don't want anyone in this group hurt.
Saya: I think we should go. We can find another place. It isn't safe here.
Momosuke: I think we should stay. This is our home, our house. We've worked our asses off day in and day out to keep this place running and safe and I'm not ready to leave that in the past.
Saya looked to Momosuke and Momosuke looked to her; Saya looked away with her arms crossed and her right leg resting on her left.
Iori: I think we should stay and fight. There's no reason to leave. Sure, we were attacked. But we were caught off guard. If we see 'em comin', then there's no way they'd step foot in the building.
Takashi: Rei?
Rei snapped out of her daydream and looked to Takashi.
Takashi: Are you okay?
Rei: Yes. I want to stay. I'm not about to be forced out of my own home. I'll fight to keep everyone safe.
Lars: But why not just leave and avoid an unnecessary fight?
Chie: He's right, guys. We don't need to fight if we can avoid it. Saves the bullets and stops the bloodshed.
Kiba: I'm not about to run away scared like a dog with its tail between its legs! If it's Shido, bring it on! If it's not, bring it on! I don't care who attacked us! I just know one thing, I'd never let them hurt any of us. Not while I still stand on two legs.
Rika looked to her brother with dagger-like eyes and Kiba noticed her glare. Kiba stood his ground and didn't back down from the threatful eyes and she nodded her head.
Rika: Seems like we have a majority ruling. We left it completely up to the general body; Takashi and I will not be voting in this. So, we stay.
Saya: Then what's the plan? Sit around and get slaughtered?
Takashi: Dammit, Saya. Why do you have to be like that? No, we have a plan. Rika, Rodack, Kohta and Iori will be stationed on the roof with ranged weapons to keep the general parameter around the hospital secure. Myself, Momosuke, Tak, Kiba, Rei, and Totsuka will set up in the windows along the front of the building and fight them off. If the enemy are approaching from the rear, someone on the roof will radio me and two or more of us will go defend the rear from inside the second floor.
Rika: Shizuka, Alice, Saya, Chie and Raven will be in a secure location inside the building for protection and Lars and Saeko will guard them. If by the faint chance anyone does get into this building, Lars and Saeko will neutralize them.
Chie: Let's not forget that I know how to fight, Rika.
Rika: Then you can be with them. You will guard the others with Lars and Saeko. In the event of an evacuation, all roof personnel will take the emergency stair route from the roof and will defend the rear parking lot behind the building. From there, someone from the roof team will radio Lars or Saeko and you will escort the rest of the family downstairs. From there, the fireteam on the second floor will-
Kiba: Did you just call us a fireteam?
Rika: Shut up. The fireteam on the second floor will then retreat, take the emergency exit and evacuate. Are there any questions?
Momosuke: What if this plan doesn't go as planned?
Takashi: Then we do what we do best. Improvise.
Kiba: Well, shit.
Tak: What if someone gets hurt during the gunfight?
Rika: We do what we swore to each other. Never leave each other behind.
Saya: This is stupid. Someone's going to get hurt. Do what you want, I'm going to bed.
Saya stood and walked away, leaving the cafeteria. Momosuke looked to Rei and she nodded her head in Saya's direction. Momosuke excused himself and went after Saya, walking calmly. Once he saw her, she was on her way to the staircase. He managed to catch her and grabbed her by the arm.
Saya: What do you want?
Momosuke: I won't let anything happen to you.
Saya: What?
Momosuke: I know I messed up and I know you hate my guts, but I'd never let anything happen to you Saya. I don't know when they will strike again. Hell, I don't even know if they will. But if they do, I'll be there for you.
Saya looked to him, then looked away.
Saya (low voice): You… You're on the main defensive line… aren't you?
Momosuke: Yes. Rika's order.
Saya (low voice): You idiot… You know I hate when you are in danger.
Momosuke: *sigh* Yeah… I know that. But it's gotta be done. Especially to protect you.
Saya (low voice): I wanted to leave… to protect you.
Momosuke hadn't thought that was the reason she objected to staying. He is realizing now that she still cares about him.
Saya (low voice): Now can you let me go? I want to go to bed.
Momosuke pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. Saya was completely speechless, unable to speak or move.
Momosuke: I love you, Saya. More than anything on the planet.
After a few moments of silence, Saya decided to return the hug and wrapped her arms around his waist. Back in the Cafeteria, Takashi had just finished answering Totsuka's question about supplies.
Totsuka: Takashi, when we are evacuating, what supplies are we bringing?
Takashi: We're going to have duffle bags of weapons, food and water as a backup plan in case of an emergency evacuation.
Totsuka: If we have to leave… can I bring my headphones?
Takashi: You can bring whatever you want with you as long as you can carry it.
Totsuka: Yes! Skateboard, headphones, phone and I'm good!
Rika: Are there any other questions?
Everyone looked around at each other and no one had anything to say.
Takashi: Good. So then, we stay and defend what's ours. Now is the time to prepare ourselves. -close up to Takashi's eyes- We aren't going anywhere.
END CHAPTER 17
Ending Theme Song: Ver. Ejected
NEXT TIME ON HOTDR
Takashi: So who's ready to kick some ass?
Momosuke: I'll do whatever it takes to keep you guys safe. Even if I have to kill a raccoon with rabbies.
Iori: What the f-
Rodack: We're going to need a lot of Ibuprofen.
Ms. Shizuka: I think we have Advil, not that other stuff.
Nado: We're gonna die.
Kiba: Shut that shit up, Nado! Gotta stick your chest out! Be proud of what's ours, and defend it! BRING IT ON!
Saya: Are you okay?
Totsuka: You've gotta calm the hell down.
Saeko: I'm not with the whole stay and defend idea, but if it's what we're doing… then I'll give it my all!
Kiba: BRING IT ON!
Rei: Chie, you've gotta make sure you're ready to respond to the injured if there are any.
Chie: I'll do what I can!
Alice: I'll help too!
Kiba: BRING IT ON!
ALL: Kiba!
Raven: Next time on Highschool of the Dead Revamped.
ALL: War of the Dead!
Momosuke: That was very good, Raven. You did that well.
Saya: Tsk… Why don't you marry her…
Momosuke: Really?
Kiba: BRING IT ON!
Momosuke: Bruh.
Author's Note: Welcome back! It's been 6 months since we've uploaded and we apologize for it! It was a much needed break! We'll be jumping right back into our normal schedule, uploading on weekends. We appreciate all of the fan support and sticking with us for all of this time! But now it's time, time to prepare for a war!