Highschool of the Dead: Us or Them

by HoTDFan

Three brothers from a military family are transferred to Fujimi Academy one day prior to the Z-Day outbreaks. Just when their lives seem to be getting back on track the world is completely unprepared for the living nightmare that opens up a new chapter in human history. The day humans were put back on the food chain. Rated-M. It is Highschool of the Dead afterall.

9. Chapter 9: Cabin

Tokonosu, Japan

Z-Day+8

The sunrise once more stretched its golden glow across the virtually lifeless Tokonosu cityscape. Bathed in its radiant and comforting warmth, Saeko and Noah stood atop the hotel roof, occasionally pacing about and stretching to keep themselves limber and alert. For the most part, it was quite uneventful, which for Noah was a very welcome change of pace.

The youngest Lawson however couldn't help but feel nervous in Saeko's presence. Those piercing blue eyes of hers continually struck him to the core, as if he felt she was measuring him up to see how he could do in a fight. A part of him managed to rationalize his nervous tension; knowing for a fact that she could be trusted, and she was always really friendly to him whenever they spoke. But at the same time, just knowing how easily she was able to get under the skin of someone like Frasier made Noah extremely wary of her hidden potential.

"How many of 'Them' have you killed, Noah-kun?" Saeko suddenly asked so unexpectedly that it caused Noah to almost flinch out of reaction after letting himself get absorbed in the calming silence.

"Me? W-well, I killed quite a few once in this massive battle against what must've been hundreds of 'Them', a-and several more with a knife before that. So I want to say...thirty nine? I wasn't really expecting to keep track, but it all feels like it just happened yesterday now that you've got me thinking about it." Noah answered nervously as he couldn't help but go into full detail, only to stop when he felt an uneasy twisting in his gut when he saw she was actually smiling in response.

"Not bad for someone so young and inexperienced. Tell me...how did it feel when you killed your first one?" Saeko replied, as if genuinely impressed that the nervous and weakest of the three Lawson brothers was capable of such a thing; but her curiosity clearly wasn't satiated just yet as she pressured him to go on.

"The first one I killed…i-it felt like a person, it bled like a person, it collapsed like a person. But somehow I just knew it wasn't alive, not like that. It was just a husk, devoid of any feeling or attachment to the life it once had. I like to think that I could kill thousands of 'Them' now without any hesitation." Noah answered honestly, admitting to her how he felt bad at first yet now felt confident in what he was capable of.

"That's very good though. You shouldn't feel anything when killing those creatures. Show any remorse or mercy towards 'Them', and it could be over in a heartbeat for you." Saeko lectured as she seemed relatively pleased to hear that Noah wasn't going to be holding back.

"And what about the living? Would you be as quick to take another living person's life? To watch them bleed? To see the light fade from their eyes right in front of you?" Noah questioned nervously in retort; earning a raised eyebrow from Saeko as he'd suddenly managed to turn the tables on her and put her on the spot this time around.

"If it means defending myself or anyone else in this group, then absolutely. I won't hesitate to protect you, Noah-kun. I offered to protect you when we first met at the academy, and I meant it; so I fully intend to do just that." Saeko replied with absolutely zero hesitation in her words, that signature ice cold glare she wielded now focusing upon Noah; who believed it down to the core.

"I see. T-Thank you, Saeko-san." Noah nervously thanked in response as he could feel his whole body slightly trembling; feeling uneasy by how it sounded like she reveled in the carnage.

For the next several moments they looked at each other, neither of them could think of anything else to say, as if there was now a much more firm sense of understanding between the two of them on how each other worked. However, Noah suddenly noticed a falter in Saeko's gaze, almost as though something troubling had just crossed her mind.

"Noah-kun…you don't think I'm bad, do you?" Saeko suddenly asked much more calmly, now sounding sad more than anything else.

"What? No! Why would I ever think that?" Noah responded as he tried to remain calm and understand what was going through her head to even ask him such a thing.

"I don't know...your expression and the way you carry yourself around me both seem to be very tense, like you're expecting me to lash out at you. Honestly, it makes me wonder what the others sometimes think of me when I show my more...aggressive side; when I really get excited from the thrill of a fight." Saeko answered as she folded her arms and began to look down; feeling somewhat ashamed of letting out her true nature despite how good it felt deep down.

"But that's just your way of coping with everything we've had to deal with recently. I wouldn't feel ashamed over something like that so long as none of us are hurt by it." Noah offered his best advice as he placed his hand on her shoulder to help comfort her, only to suddenly jerk away when she looked straight into his eyes. She now had unmistakable tears of both sadness and anger welling in her gaze.

"You don't understand! I've always been like this though! Long before 'They' ever took over-" Saeko began to express angrily before Noah threw up both hands for his own protection. Before another syllable could escape Saeko's mouth; the conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of several distant gunshots echoing out from nearby.

Without a moment to spare, Noah pulled up his binoculars to look in the direction the shots were coming from. At the last second, he caught a glimpse of a man running through the streets with several of 'Them' in pursuit. His jaw dropped as he realized it was none other than Johann's neighbor, Joe Berlemann; fleeing for his life on foot before taking off in the very white van with the blue star painted on the side that they'd been waiting for all this time.

"Oh my God...oh my GOD! Frasier! Marcus!" Noah started to mumble at first; pausing to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him before shouting to get his brother's attention; Saeko immediately running after him, very confused as to why he'd reacted so strongly to whatever it was that he'd seen. Part of her was somewhat shocked to see just how fast Noah could run; even able to stay ahead of her before coming to a stop when he burst into Marcus' room.

The middle Lawson could be seen sitting in bed stretching out only to then hop out of bed in just his under garments, clearly having only just woken up.

"Noah? What's with all the bloody yelling?" Marcus asked in irritation, clearly not liking having to listen to Noah's shouting first thing in the morning.

"It's Joe! Johann's neighbor! I actually saw him!" Noah exclaimed as he was almost completely out of breath, now learning on a cabinet as he looked at the shocked expression forming on Marcus' face.

"I'll go get Johann. He needs to know right now!" Marcus said as he sprung up and was instantly on full alert; quickly brushing past Noah to pass on the unexpected news to their German counterpart.

"Right, I'll go tell Frasier then." Noah added as he managed to recover some stamina only to then immediately start sprinting at full speed again as the others began to notice the commotion he'd been making; resulting looks of great concern being shared among all of them as they all knew there was a good number of reasons that could have the young Brit running like the devil was on his heels; and none of them could've been good.

Noah had looked frantically up and down the hotel floors in hope of finding his eldest brother soon. Eventually his determination had paid off when he located Frasier in the armory, inspecting the weapons and cleaning out any he deemed to be getting dirty. When Noah approached, he turned to see who had entered and saw his youngest brother was breathing like he'd just run a quick marathon.

"You alright, Noah? You seem like you've just seen a ghost." Frasier asked as he continued to run a white cleaning wipe through the barrel of one of the M4 shotguns.

"You'll never guess who I just spotted a few miles away...I saw Johann's neighbor, Joe, making a quick getaway from some of 'Them' and driving upwards to the northeast. Don't you understand what this means? They're still alive! Him, Toshimi, his kids, all of them!" Noah explained in a quick succession of words between every desperate gasp for air he made; Frasier almost dropping the shotgun in response to such a claim.

Frasier simply stared at Noah as if he had lost his damn mind. Before words could make it past his lips, he saw Johann rushing in as if he planned on telling him the exact same thing. The eldest Lawson then looked back to Noah with a dead serious expression painted on his face. Not one of irritation and the desire to reprimand, but of determination.

"Very well, let's go get them." Frasier responded; and within minutes, they'd all armed themselves with weapons and a small amount of food to ration, just in case they needed more than a day to find the cabin Joe had previously spoken of. All the while, the rest of the group could only look on in confusion as to why the Lawson's and Johann were gearing up so suddenly.

"What's going on, guys? Trouble?" Takashi finally asked as the four young men stepped out of the armory one after the other; each with their own clear looks of determination on their faces.

"No, no trouble. We just found something we've been keeping an eye out for these last few days." Frasier replied bluntly as the rest of the group couldn't help but follow after the four down to the lobby; now all too curious to hear more details.

"We shouldn't be gone for too long hopefully, so you guys don't need to worry about us." Marcus chimed in when he noticed the concerned look in Hitomi's eyes to realize he intended on leaving without her to watch his back.

"Well can you at least fill us in on what you guys are actually doing? If we're going to have any hope of making this whole setup work, we shouldn't feel like we have to keep secret agendas from each other." Saya finally asked in an undeniably demanding tone as the four young men finally stopped; none of them eager to keep wasting daylight with pointless chit-chat.

"We're going out to find and bring back someone very important who's been missing for quite a while." Noah finally replied; and out of everyone, Rei was the one who had the most noticeable reaction to these words; especially when she finally saw the clear look of both anxiety and eagerness burning fiercely in Johann's eyes, as if he were just waiting for the word to be given so he could go out and begin the search.

In spite of having absolutely no stake in this personal rescue mission, Rei couldn't help but feel an immense swelling of hopefulness inside as she knew just how much Johann had desired to finally go out and bring his beloved Toshimi back to safety, and now the time had finally come. Unable to find the words to say, she could only give him a warm smile of the utmost support as she genuinely wished them all the best of luck.

"Komuro-san, I'm leaving it up to you to watch over this place until we return. Whatever happens, you need to stand your ground. Let nobody else in, no matter what the others might say. We can't risk letting in potential trouble with several of us gone and unable to back you up." Frasier announced to Takashi as he could be seen with only Mark's handgun holstered at his hip, along with just a knife in the other holster.

"You can count on me. Are you sure you don't want to bring more guns, though? What if you run into more of 'Them'?" Takashi vowed as he then looked over to see Marcus, Noah, and Johann mounting the SDF truck, only equipped with melee weapons.

"We will try to avoid as much contact as possible. Bringing guns won't help. Plus, I want to travel as light as possible. Part of me also wants to keep you armed, just in case any more of those filthy inmate fucks find this place. You'll need every last firearm at your disposal." Frasier explained before getting up into the driver's seat; quickly taking off as Takashi and the others watched the truck pulling out, only to vanish into the city; every last one of them hoping silently that their long-awaited rescue mission would be a success.

(One Hour Later)

The SDF truck came to a slow halt as the four boys got out to inspect the scene before them. On the small stretch of road leading out of northern Tokonosu, hundreds of tightly packed cars could be seen resting abandoned along the left side leading to the highway out of town, while the right side was completely empty. Most of the car doors hung wide open while others seemed forcibly pried open, accompanied by several blood stains splattered across the asphalt and the car interiors. The remains of the chaos were just like everywhere else they'd been to thus far. Marcus began to sniff somewhat loudly as the lingering scent of burnt rubber filled the air around them. Frasier knelt down to see several wide tire marks scorched into the right side of the road; running his fingertips along them for extra measure to see how really fresh they were. The only thing outstanding about the buildings in this area was a small clinic that they'd already attempted to scavenge just a few days prior.

"This must be how he got in and out of the city so smoothly. He took the opposite lane to bypass the cars clogging up the road." Noah observed as they began to momentarily walk down the road to see how it could potentially lead them to the outskirts.

"Looks like we've found a trail, then. Let's get going, guys!" Johann announced as he was the first to hop back into the SDF truck; his hands impatiently tapping against his thighs in anticipation of their next clue.

With nothing else noteworthy or of any real use in sight, the Lawson's followed after him, and soon the truck was driving all the way up the empty lane; all the while Frasier hoping that Noah's hunch was more than accurate and that they would be able to find something a little more concrete in terms of evidence. The entire way Johann was staring intently out the window; his gaze distant, as though he were mentally a million miles away from everything. Toshimi was so close, he could practically see her now, and every second that passed where they didn't find her felt like unbearably long hours.

The buildings they drove by soon grew considerably shorter and more spread out the further they went up north and outside the city limits. The urban sprawl steadily shifted into a more suburban layout, only to then lead to a massive mountainous forest in the distance. Frasier carefully navigated down from the highway towards an opening path that would take them there. He carefully parked the truck at a nearby gas station, twisting the keys and silencing the engine before they all disembarked once more.

"Why are we stopping here? The gas tank is nearly full." Johann questioned as he watched Frasier walking towards the gas station with the typical purposeful stride in his step.

"We'll need a map of the area if you want my help. I'm not about to go into a forest blind." Frasier retorted in an irritated growl; not even bothering to grace Johann with eye contact. As far as he was concerned, even despite promising that he'd help look for Toshimi, this was all a colossal waste of time and effort for him.

The young Brit carefully pulled the door wide open; looking deep into the heavy shadows inside, broken only by the thin rays of sunlight that got through the gaps in the wooden boards that barricaded the windows. Steeling himself for whatever might come out, he let out a low whistle while motioning the others to stay where they were. Within seconds, he was greeted with the slowly approaching sound of a very familiar low growling and grotesque gurgling.

Everyone kept their distance from the door as the sound of dragging footsteps could be heard coming from a pocket of shadows the light through the doorway couldn't reach. Within seconds, a man wearing a bloody green convenience store apron shuffled outside. His rotting flesh was covered in hundreds of flies as his bloody tongue dangled from the grotesque mess where his lower jaw had been brutally torn off. His milky grey eyes bobbled around before another of his chilling groans resonated from the gory hole in his throat.

Without hesitation, the four young men quickly surrounded the undead clerk on all sides. Frasier whistled again to lure it in his direction as the others quickly rushed in as if on cue. Johann swiftly swung a two handed sledgehammer right against the back of the knees, effectively toppling the monster over. Marcus then planted his foot on the back to keep it pinned down before Noah quickly rushed in and stabbed his knife right into the back of its skull.

"Proper job, lads. Let's see what he's got for us inside." Frasier said with genuine admiration at how quick the others had adapted to the situation and his way of strategizing; Marcus and Noah forming rather proud smiles to each other while Johann wasted no time to head inside and start looking for a map.

Inside the convenience store, they could see most of the food had already been eaten if the numerous empty boxes and wrappers littering the floor were any indication. A dark blue sleeping bag lay unzipped behind the checkout counter. A rancid odor seeped from the bathroom; the four boys doing their best to ignore the godawful stench and press on with what they came here for.

Marcus opened up several candy bars previously left untouched, passing them along to everyone else before devouring his all too eagerly; Noah somewhat chuckling at how fast his older brother could consume anything loaded with sugar. Frasier rolled his eyes before taking a chunk out of his own, watching Johann scavenge several drawers before he suddenly appeared to be pleased by what the last one contained.

Johann held up what appeared to be the exact map Frasier had been hoping to find; unfolding it across the counter as they began to observe the nearby trails people would've used in the past for nature hikes and such. The Lawson's soon nodded to each other before Marcus quickly ran a marker along the path he noticed was closest to where they currently were so they'd know where to go first. Without any further delay, they were soon back on the road.

"So what's the plan? Should we take the truck and go down the nearby roads that curve into the forest? Or should we take a footpath and see where that takes us?" Marcus asked as they soon pulled up to the outskirts of the forest. Tall pine trees towered before them as the sound of birds whistling in the background could be heard.

"We take the dirt roads and find a riverbed or some body of water. If what Joe said about this cabin is true, then this friend of his will be living off the grid; so we use the map to pinpoint some potential areas the cabin might be located by trekking along a stream or two. It only makes sense it would be situated near a reliable water source. We have plenty of time to search, but I don't want to spend a full day here. When the sun starts to set, we head back to the truck and wait until morning should we be unable to locate the cabin today." Frasier answered thoroughly as the others could only nod in agreement as he seemed entirely confident about this plan.

The four of them began to slowly step onto a dirt path leading into the thick of the woods, the fresh pine-scented air a much needed change from the lingering smoke and rotting meat stench they were forced to tolerate for the last nine days. This forest would've easily been a tranquil and calming experience had they not come here with a purpose.

"Don't worry, Johann. We'll find her in no time." Noah said encouragingly when he noticed just how visibly tensed up Johann appeared to be; his body barely trembling as his eyes scanned back and forth over every last detail he could find in the forest.

The large trees beyond the dirt footpath seemed almost ancient, as if they had been here for hundreds of years now. The thick and gnarled roots would twist and weave into the ground; the leaves painting a canopy of lush green colors. Every now and then, they'd all jump at the sound of bark being scratched, only to realize it was just some of the local wildlife.

Soon, they found themselves wandering along a curved path that took them to an expansive overlook. A metal railing was setup along the edge as the man-made path they had followed soon vanished. Upon reaching the edge, they quickly located what had to be a river just at the bottom of the slope.

"Well, only one way now. I suggest we follow the river upstream and see where that takes us." Marcus advised as they all carefully began to make their way over the metal barrier and straight down the hill; almost wishing that they'd taken some hiking boots with them back when they were scavenging the mall the other day.

The current was quite strong as the water rushed past several large rocks peeking out from the surface. Aside from the sound of the rushing river, it was almost too quiet for the four boys. The silence slowly put them on edge, as if they were expecting to be ambushed by 'Them' at any second. Several minutes went by before Marcus could no longer take the lingering silence.

"So if we find this place, do you think we should move everyone out here instead?" Marcus asked as Noah could only shrug his shoulders in response while Johann and Frasier remained silent.

"Depends how big it is, and if they'll even accept the others. Sure, it's hidden from most, and its solar panels should be providing energy, but I can't imagine it would be an easy place to defend should the need arise." Noah estimated as he tried to debate the pros and cons of relocating everyone to the cabin. As much as he liked the setup they had at the hotel, he couldn't deny the perks of living removed from the city; but he also couldn't deny the difficulties living out in the wilderness would provide them.

"We'll check it out and see how the place holds up, if we can find it that is." Frasier advised before making it clear to anyone who would listen that his patience was starting to wear very thin when they couldn't find any obvious signs of the cabin being nearby.

"Steady on, Frasier. We just need to focus our efforts, and with any luck, we'll be there in no time." Noah expressed optimistically as he began to walk up ahead; moving faster with every minute until he was starting to go further ahead than Frasier was comfortable with.

"Noah, pull back and stay with us. I don't want to be looking for you too if you get lost." Frasier called out only to get no response.

"Noah? You hear me?" Frasier called out louder; a rush of concern taking over as he ran over a bend in the tree line only to find the youngest Lawson frozen in place.

"What's gotten into you?" Frasier reprimanded his brother swiftly, only to then see what had caused his brother to suddenly freeze in place like he did.

Before the four of them was a middle-aged man pinned against a tree. A crossbow bolt had pierced his skull up against the trunk of the tree the same way a needle would stick out of a pincushion. Several flies buzzed around the corpse, but what really caught their attention was how the body didn't have any signs of having been bitten like all the others did.

"Poor bastard might've been mistaken as one of 'Them'." Marcus commented as he could only guess whoever did this was simply unable to tell the difference.

"Or maybe not." Frasier retorted sharply; convinced this man was murdered in cold blood. The group cautiously remained silent while the river beside them continued to flow.

With nothing else to really say or look at, the group pressed on north along the river. They continued on their way for two hours; having to be stalled several times when packs of 'Them' were spotted within the trees or could be heard wandering nearby. With only one gun between the four of them, the only option they knew wouldn't get them killed was to play it safe and avoid fighting as much as possible. They'd sneak and outflank 'Them' whenever they could; occasionally having to dispatch one or two of whenever 'They' strayed too far from a passing pack. When the coast finally seemed all clear, Frasier stopped the group again, bringing them to a complete halt, which only served to make Johann more and more anxious.

"What's the matter? Why are we stopping now?" Johann questioned impatiently as he clearly did not want to keep stalling when for all he knew, the cabin could be just around the bend.

"This is taking way too long, and did you not see those packs back there? The damn things must've gotten lost while hunting some of the other survivors when they fled north." Frasier asked in a dead serious yet rhetorical hiss; making it quite clear that this was not working out. At this rate, they'd need to find a spot to rest at night that wouldn't potentially cross paths with any more of 'Them'.

"If you don't like it then you can just go back. I've been waiting too long for this, and I won't turn back just because you're afraid." Johann growled back angrily. At this point, he would be damned if he was going to let ANYTHING stop him from finding Toshimi, and if he even had to knock Frasier out cold to do it, he'd do so gladly.

"I'm not afraid, Johann. I'm being tactical and using common sense. You're the one acting like a sodding fool by letting your emotions get the better of you." Frasier grumbled as the two intensely glared at one another; both breathing intensely as Noah and Marcus just watched them, waiting for one of them to back down.

*slam*

All four boys instantly looked around, certain that they had all heard the same noise that was unmistakably a door being closed. Without further hesitation, Johann took off in a sprint that prompted the others to quickly follow in pursuit, knowing it would be a death sentence if he'd managed to get lost out here. With a newfound surge of adrenaline burning through all of them, they quickly climbed over a sudden slope that gave them a clear view over what looked like a small hidden grove.

"Son of a bitch, it really does exist." Marcus softly mumbled loud enough for the others to hear as they gazed upon a two story wooden cabin with a small solar grid standing not too far away to give it power. While it wasn't directly next to a stream as Frasier had predicted, there was no earthly way it could've been anything but Joe's cabin.

A dirt path trailed from the front door a few hundred yards to the side to revealed what looked like a large dugout similar to a bunker. Moments later, a skinny male with short blonde hair walked out from the dugout; revealing none other than Joe Berlemann. Ecstatic that his neighbor was still alive, Johann wasted no time heading down the slope into the grove, making a beeline for the middle-aged man.

"Mr. Berlemann! MR. BERLEMANN!" Johann called out at the top of his lungs as the man below nearly jumped out of his skin before realizing who was running to him from the bushes.

"I swear that idiot's going to bring the whole bloody horde down on us if he doesn't shut his fucking mouth." Frasier groaned loud enough for his brothers to look at him in silent disapproval before ignoring his point; knowing that Johann couldn't contain himself now that Toshimi was finally so close.

"Holy shit, you're actually alive...I didn't think I'd be seeing you boys again anytime soon. Sure took you long enough." Joe said in astonishment before composing himself at the end upon seeing who all had arrived.

"Yeah, it wasn't easy after that EMP went off." Noah explained as he was certain Joe didn't know this stunning revelation.

"EMP, huh? Well, that definitely explains why nothing in the city was working the first time I came back. Luckily that dugout we have over there is made of concrete with a strong lead layer built within. I guess that must've been enough to keep the blast from affecting the van." Joe pondered as he seemed to instantly make sense of everything.

"Mr. Berlemann, I'm sorry for rushing you, but can you please tell me where Toshimi is? I've been worried sick about her for days, and I've literally had nothing but a hunch to tide me over. Please tell me she's okay." Johann interrupted; his knees trembling as the anticipation was finally starting to take its toll on him, his heart practically hammering against his ribs.

"Your girlfriend? Don't worry, she's doing just fine. She was here just an hour ago, but at the moment she should be with my friend gathering water from the river just a bit up north. You should come inside and get something to drink while we wait for them. You all look like you're about to keel over from thirst." Joe expressed reassuringly; causing Johann to practically shed tears of relief knowing that his love was still alive and well.

"Yeah…it's probably best that we take this time to recover. Thank you, Mr. Berlemann." Johann gratefully replied as he could barely stand from the overwhelmingly good news.

"Don't mention it. So I take it you boys are all that made it, then? What happened to that police girl I saw you two with the last time?" Joe said with a grin before looking over to Noah and Marcus, who also were clearly glad to hear Toshimi was unharmed.

"She's still alive and well, along with numerous other survivors we managed to bring in just a few days ago." Marcus answered before mentioning Takashi's group; instantly earning a visible reaction of surprise from Joe.

"That's damn good to hear. I was starting to fear we were the only ones who made it. Well, hopefully we'll be able to accommodate them and we can all have a happy ending once this whole thing blows over." Joe said with a relieved sigh before suggesting that they could all manage to live here. The five survivors wasted no time finally stepping into the cabin itself.

Upon entering, they were instantly met with a strong disinfectant smell, almost like it was trying to cover a bad stain or wretched smell that might've occurred not too long ago. As strange as it was, the four boys chose not to dwell on it as they looked on in astonishment at the setup of the cabin. They began to spread out, wandering inside the living room to see several framed photos all around. On the walls, several shotguns and hunting rifles were mounted; the kind that were without a doubt illegal in this country.

"Feel free to take a seat, boys. I can't imagine what you must've had to go through to get here." Joe offered as he stepped into the kitchen to grab four cups before filling them up with water while the four boys took their seats at the nearby dining room table, still looking amazed at how comforting yet secure this place looked.

"Not bad, huh? We have everything one could possibly need to survive here for months on end: food, weapons, power, shelter, you name it. So tell me about these other survivors you found. What are they like?" Joe explained in a rather confident manner as he began to hand out the glass cups to each one of them.

"Does it really matter? You'll see them soon enough if this place is as good as you say it is." Frasier said in a confronting grunt before taking only a slight sip; setting his glass down before folding his arms over his chest.

"Hey, relax. I'm just asking so I can assess how useful they might be around here. Everybody needs to be able to pull their weight, I'm sure you'd agree." Joe said in an effort to explain himself before Marcus nudged Frasier in the ribs out of disapproval of his behavior.

"Be nice, Frasier. I wouldn't want to be kicked out after seeing this sweet setup. Did you not see how many kickass guns they had hung up in the other room?" Marcus said in an effort to get his brother to play nice; proceeding to guzzle down the rest of his water eagerly after being out in the humid springtime heat for hours.

"You think those were impressive? Wait till you see the shit my buddy has stored back in that dugout of his. There's shit in there even the States wouldn't be too approving of." Joe said as Marcus smiled at what they had locked up just a few hundred yards away; somewhat hoping he could take a look later on and inspect the private arsenal with Frasier.

"You boys don't have to worry about what's out there anymore. I can only imagine you must've gone through sheer hell to get here." Joe continued in a much more sympathetic tone as he focused his attention on Johann's heavily bandaged hand; spurring Johann, Marcus and Noah to bow their heads in regret while Frasier remained unresponsive.

"It's unbelievable what some people out there have already reduced themselves to doing just to survive out there in the world. Hopefully we can be able to sit it all out peacefully here. All of us." Joe went on as they all couldn't help but feel a strange sense of hope that what he was saying could potentially be true.

"So what about your daughters, Mr. Berlemann? Where have they gone off to?" Johann finally asked after several moments of heavy silence as he set his cup down on the dining table; suddenly recalling that Joe had two little girls of his own they hadn't even seen since arriving here.

"They're upstairs sleeping. I'm gonna have to ask you boys to stay downstairs so you don't disturb them. Those two have been having nightmares every night since this whole mess started. Honestly we're lucky they're even sleeping right now as it is." Joe answered as his voice seemed to trail off near the end as though he were suddenly lost in deep thought.

"So why exactly did you go into the city, Joe? It seems like you have everything you could possibly need right here." Frasier suddenly inquired as he raised an eyebrow in curiosity; the others now also wondering why the American would have any need to come back to a city he knew to be a death trap.

"I thought I'd go in and grab some extra medical supplies just in case we ran out. Our stockpile was looking a bit sparse last we checked, and I figured those freaks wouldn't need it anytime soon." Joe confidently responded as he made stern eye contact with Frasier, who still seemed unsatisfied.

"Wait...you said you had everything one would need to survive out here. What kind of survivalist doesn't include medical supplies for a long term situation?" Noah then brought up as he realized that Joe couldn't possibly need more something so obvious, especially given the trouble he would've had to go through in order to get it.

"Exactly my point; it's one of the first things even the most inexperienced individual would think of when setting up a bugout shelter. I'll ask again, Joe. Why did you go into the city?" Frasier questioned as if he was now fully interrogating Joe. At first the spindly man seemed to be taken aback, as if afraid of the barrage of questions being asked. Frasier then stood from his chair and made a beeline for the fridge door and began to pull it open, only for Joe to suddenly slam it closed; shooting the eldest Lawson a rather stern glare of anger as the two stood before one another.

"What in the hell is your problem, son?! I haven't done a damn thing to you, and you start giving ME the third degree?! You've got a hell of a lot of nerve to be treating the people who help you this way!" Joe spat angrily as he stood his ground to the towering young Brit as he felt every fiber in his being tense up with the desire to throw the American out of his way so he could see what was inside and see if his sudden suspicions were indeed founded.

*thud*

Suddenly, Noah's head crashed onto the table, causing Frasier to spin around and see his youngest brother's head planted face first with both eyes closed. Marcus and Johann soon followed as Joe began to chuckle under his breath. Frasier then turned back to see Joe with his head bowed down and his shoulders shaking as he began to laugh more and more. Realizing they must've been drugged, Frasier took a step forward only to feel his own muscles loosening up as his eyes became heavy. The room started to spin as Joe's image split up into four separate ones; all laughing at the sight before him.

"I can't believe those fucking idiots actually bought all that bullshit! I'm shocked you all trusted me THIS long." Joe taunted as he watched Frasier keel over onto just one knee; his face twisting in pain as he fought against the drug trying to shut down his system by the second.

Both of Frasier's fists clenched tight before releasing as the eldest Lawson suddenly opened his mouth and desperately reached several fingers back into his throat; his eyes wincing instantly before he let out a rough, painful gagging noise. Before Joe could react, Frasier was self-induced vomiting on the floor to expel whatever he'd been tricked into swallowing.

Before he could get back up, Joe rushed over and kicked him hard across the jaw. Frasier rolled back against a chair, clenching his jaw before shaking his head in an attempt to ignore the throbbing pain shooting through it. Blood trickled down his nose before he made a fist with sheer adrenaline burning through his whole body. As he looked back up, Joe was stepping up to him with a large kitchen knife in hand, smiling as the young Brit seemed like he was taken out of the fight.

Not wasting any more time with words, he brought the knife downwards with the swiftness of a viper, only for it to be caught in the wooden chair Frasier quickly pulled out between them. With a solid yank, the knife was pried from Joe's hand, only for Frasier to swing the chair right back at him like a club. The chair shattered on impact; sending Joe reeling back into the counter before Frasier tossed aside the fragments he had clenched in his palms.

"I knew I couldn't trust you! You're going to wish you'd just poisoned me right before I break your scrawny fucking neck!" Frasier growled furiously as he cracked both his knuckles, only for Joe to immediately come at him with another knife.

Their arms locked together as the thin American and the young Brit stared into each other's' eyes with a fiery rage the likes of which one couldn't hope to imagine. Joe put both hands on the handle as the tip of the knife was just centimeters from Frasier's chest. However, he just grinned before twisting Joe's arms around, only to then squeeze as hard as he could. Joe began to let out grunts and shouts of distress as it felt like the bones in his wrists were about to snap.

*clang*

The knife dropped to the floor as Joe was then punched back into the counter again, only for Frasier to practically leap across the room for him and immediately wrap his hands around Joe's neck; both his thumbs heavily pressing against Joe's trachea while his small hands desperately tried to pry Frasier off of him. Joe's entire face soon turned purple as it felt like any second he was going to pass out.

*smash*

Another chair suddenly exploded across Frasier's back; sending the young Brit collapsing to the floor like a pile of bricks, his head spinning in a daze. A much taller figure towered over his body before stomping a heavy boot on his arm. Frasier let out a growl of pain as he desperately tried to pull away like a wild animal caught in a trap. When looking up, he saw the new man wore black suspenders over a burgundy long sleeved shirt. His face was rugged-looking as his strong jawline was thick with facial hair. Two cold hazel eyes stared down at him intensely as Frasier tried desperately to regain the upper hand for a second time.

"You didn't think to tell me we would be having guests?" the brute of a man said to Joe before kneeling down and grasping Frasier's jaw tightly; managing to keep his mouth open now despite Frasier continuously trying to pull away.

"Wasn't...expecting them, so...I had to improvise." Joe replied between heavy gasps for air as he quickly forced a small handful of pills into Frasier's mouth before his friend helped ease them in. Both men watched as Frasier soon went completely unconscious like the others.

"Sweet dreams…asshole." Joe said with a satisfied grin as he then spit on Frasier's face. Both shared a mutual smile at their close victory; dragging the four unconscious bodies one by one to God knew where.

(Several Hours Later)

Noah was the last of the four to awaken, his vision blurry and his head throbbing in immense pain. His breaths were short and rapid as he had no earthly idea where he was. The moment he attempted to stand back up, he was met with instant resistance. He looked down to see his hands and feet were bound the chair he was sitting in. Panic began to flare inside his chest as he could feel his blood beginning to rush with sheer fear-induced adrenaline.

When his vision finally cleared up, he stopped to look around to find himself in what could only have been the basement beneath the cabin. He could feel a chilling sweat begin to form once he noticed that to his left was Marcus and to his right Johann, both tied up and bound to chairs as well.

"Guys…guys?! What's going on...?" Noah whispered in a worried hush, trying to keep from screaming out in panic when they didn't answer at first, lest whoever had bound them up would hear him.

"We've been had, Noah. Joe and his fucking friend have gone completely looney. The scrawny cunt put something in the water while we weren't looking, and we up and took it like a bunch of ponces." Marcus explained in an understandably pissed off groan as he shook his head furiously to get rid of the last remnants of drowsiness he was feeling.

"Shit….w-why is he doing this? Why?!" Noah muttered in defeat before finally asking what had no doubt been racing through all their minds; his voice trembling with raw terror while Johann remained dead silent the entire time. He suddenly then realized Frasier was nowhere to be seen.

"Frasier…what about Frasier? Did he make it out?" Noah then asked as he tried to look around again; his mind racing desperately for something to remain hopeful for.

"Not exactly." Frasier answered from behind all three captives. Noah had to really twist his head back to catch a glimpse of his brother hanging from the wall with both wrists cuffed along a secured metal bar.

Before they could say anything else, the door leading upstairs could be heard slowly creaking open. The dreadful creak was soon followed by several heavy footsteps, only to reveal both Joe and his giant friend approaching; genuine delight on their faces to see all four boys were awake again. Noah looked up at them, noticing right away that Joe had several bandages placed along his face along with what looked like red marks around his neck.

"Well, it's about time you all woke up. I was almost worried I gave you boys too much of the good stuff. I bet you all must have so many questions right now. Let's start with the youngest one first. Go on, ask me anything you want." Joe announced as though he were addressing simple house guests as he was silently taking in the mixed expressions of fear, betrayal, and rage evident on all their faces.

At first, Noah was silent as the two just stared at one another. Only a few unbearable seconds went by before Joe cracked a smirk only to then start laughing to himself.

"Maybe I should reiterate myself; give you kids some much needed clarity. When I say talk: YOU FUCKING TALK!" Joe chuckled gently to himself before catching them all off guard with a genuinely terrifying roar of animalistic rage; making the final point by pulling out his buck knife and stabbing it into the chair just a mere centimeter from Noah's cheek.

"I want you all to know right now, I'm being very generous by letting you know what's coming to each and every one of you. All the others, I just left it to their own imagination what was waiting for them." Joe began to explain to them as Noah winced in pain as the blade just barely cut into his cheek. The knife protruding from his chair now had the smallest amount of his blood dripping down onto his collar.

"I'll say it again much more slowly this time around, just in case there's still some confusion here. Ask. Me. Anything. You. Want." Joe finally finished as he grasped Noah by the chin and forced the terrified boy to look right up at him; pressing his thumb hard against the fresh wound, causing Noah to nearly tear up from the horrible stinging sensation in his cheek.

"W-why…why are you doing this to us?" Noah timidly asked as Joe then shoved his face back, causing the chair to rock back and forth before it balanced itself out. Noah was trembling all over by this point.

"Boy, isn't that the million dollar question? You know, funny thing is, when you've been doing what I have for as long as I have, the memories all start to run together. I would tell you why I've been doing this, but you'd all need a little context, I believe, and it's there where I don't even know where to start. Was it that greedy little whore in Michigan with the scissors in her throat? Or was it that pretty little blonde college girl in Oregon with her face all smashed in? Or was it that sweet little old lady in Utah who got turned into a human Pez dispenser?

"That waitress in Wyoming, that nurse in Illinois, that priest in Arizona, those stupid little hitchhikers in California; the list goes on and on. That many people, you've gotta be wondering how the hell I'm standing here instead of rotting in a cell in Leavenworth, right? Well it's amazing how easy one can slip past the cops when he tries hard enough. I've been holing up here for two whole years and not one person even came snooping around to try and find me. It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so pathetic.

"The one thing I CAN say without a doubt is the last person I killed was those two little angels' mother. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised I was able to resist the urge for this long. But man, this whole end times scenario couldn't have come at a better time. No more having to hide for this cowboy, no sir. You wouldn't believe how trusting those two brats were of me from the first time their mommy brought me into their house. I might as well have been there from the day they were born. And when I dumped that bitch's corpse in the desert, they bought that she was in a car accident like it was the honest truth. They never questioned anything I said even to this day.

"I'll admit I was worried what I would do if I ever let my inhibitions go out of control in a place like this, but turns out my buddy Buck here is a kindred spirit. Built this place to prepare for the end with his own hands, and thankfully had the access to all the hardware you saw earlier. It's fucking amazing what a few of the right international connections can help you get into the country.

"And with that all being said, we've got the perfect little setup here to watch the rest of the world burn. You boys aren't the first suckers I've managed to get to come here so we could have our fun with them…and you're definitely gonna be far from the last, especially if what you said about these friends of yours in the city is true." Joe finally finished his long-winded story; every single word sending a horrible feeling of ice cold despair deep into the pits of the stomachs of all four boys. After everything they'd gone through, after finally finding a ray of hope, THIS was how it was going to end for them?

"You're a monster…a fucking monster!" Marcus suddenly cried out in sheer panic, causing Joe and Buck to actually laugh.

"Oh, on the contrary. I'm the most human person here when you really think about it. You see, man was made for two things: killing and fucking. We try to convince ourselves we're more than animals, but that's all we really are at the core when you get right down to it. I simply embraced the most primal thing that drives us to survive every single day, just like everyone else still alive these days. Only I was years ahead of the curb. Don't you dare judge me for being human." Joe went on to explain as if it were the most basic knowledge in the world. The way he spoke about it sounded like he might as well have been talking about the weather.

"Great…so what happens to us now? Are you gonna sweet talk us then stab us in the back? Oh, wait, you already did that!" Marcus asked only to instantly spit out the most biting tone of spiteful sarcasm he could; instantly being met with a vicious backhand across his face.

"Of course the mouthy one had to survive." Joe mumbled in irritation before he pulled the knife from Noah's chair and gently held to tip right up to Marcus' lips; making him feel just how cold to the touch the blade really was.

"I think when I kill you, I'm gonna reach in there and cut the tongue from out your mouth first. Maybe I'll pry the nails from your fingers afterwards. We'll see how mouthy you are then. So you still want to keep name-calling and being a little smart ass?" Joe threatened in a low deathly growl as Marcus' eyes widened in primal fear as all he could do was slowly nod while trying to avoid pushing Joe's buttons any further.

Joe smiled at his silent compliance before turning away and placing his foot against the edge of Johann's chair. The psychotic killer seemed especially glad to be talking to him now. Johann remained dead silent as if out of both defiance and fear of provoking him.

"Oh…I'll bet you'd LOVE to know where SHE is right about now. I can only imagine the relief and joy you must've felt when you found this place; how you thought it would end on a happy note for you two. Go ahead, Johann. Ask me where she is." Joe said in a soft, twisted whisper as Johann's eyes widened in sheer terror at the infinite possibilities of what this sick bastard had done. The way he sounded so proud of himself while mocking him just made the deepest pit in his stomach twist in disgust.

"Actually…no. I've got a better idea. You just stay put and I'll give you a really good hint." Joe suddenly suggested as he took off back up the stairs before the door slammed closed behind him. Johann could only look all around in confusion as he couldn't even begin to fathom what Joe was up to now.

All four captives sat there in a deep silence as Buck looked up with a wicked grin of anticipation on his face. At first there was nothing. Then suddenly, four loud stomping sounds could be heard echoing from up above. As if it were a signal, Buck quickly strode across the room to a thin metal pipe extending from the ceiling. He unhinged the lid from the end of the pipe facing out into the basement.

"Hello, sweet thing. I know it hasn't been long since the last time, but this is a very special occasion. You see, we have some unexpected guests listening in tonight; one of whom is someone VERY important to you especially. So what do you say we make this one that none of us will ever be able to forget, okay?" was what could be heard echoing through the pipe for them all to hear. While Marcus and Noah squirmed desperately in their chairs while Buck watched them from the corner in amusement; Johann's face went deathly pale as he could only silently pray that what he was hearing and what he was imagining was going to happen was nothing more than a delusion.

A cold chill passed through the basement before a strange noise could suddenly be heard through the first two floors. What could only be the squeaking sound a spring supported mattress would make began to fill their ears through the pipe.

Unable to deny what was happening above them, Noah and Marcus simultaneously felt their hearts sink and shatter as Johann closed his eyes tight; trembling uncontrollably as he desperately tried to mentally block out the nearly deafening sound of the ceaselessly squeaking springs. He shook his head furiously as the springs grew louder and louder in his head, like nails being run on a chalkboard. Rough, violent, angry grunts from Joe began to echo through the pipe over and over again, as if he was now trying to make it as obvious as possible to them what he was doing just to fuck with them. Johann couldn't even bring himself to weep as all he could think to do was scream, only for no sound to come. His teeth grit tightly against each another as he clutched the arms of his chair with unimaginable rage. He could practically feel the last remnants of his sanity cracking as he was forced to keep hearing Joe's grunts and the squeaking of the springs echoing through his head like torturous firecrackers bursting in his skull.

"No...no, no, no, no, no, NO! WHY?! WHY IS HE DOING THIS?!" Noah cried out in despair, unable to comprehend the cruelty of what they were being forced to listen to.

"Because he can, kid. We're going back to the times where the strongest do whatever they damn well please. Survival of the absolute fittest. I know it sucks for you four being on the bottom of the food chain, but at least you won't have to worry about it for too much longer. Once Joe's done having his fun, I'll be sure to go next. I'd say it'll be quick and painless for you, but I just can't bring myself to lie to a pretty face like yours. I can't wait to break you before the end." Buck answered in a disgustingly calming manner before slowly running his large hand along Noah's tear soaked face before running his fingers through his hair; roughly pulling at it as he enjoyed the sight of the young boy completely defenseless and at his mercy.

Suddenly, the very faintest sound of muttering could be heard coming from Johann as he had his head bowed down low. His attention now fully focused on the young German, Buck stepped over to his chair, roughly pulling his head back up by the hair before calmly situating his knife against Johann's throat as if ready to cut his neck wide open any second.

"What was that?" Buck asked rhetorically with that same sickening smirk, as if straight up daring Johann to open his mouth again.

"…I'm going to kill you…both of you. You'll both die here bleeding and screaming like animals. I can't wait to see how many pieces 'They' can tear you into." Johann replied in a low, chillingly hostile growl before Buck slowly pulled the knife back, only to sock him across the jaw.

The young German landed hard against the cold concrete floor before Buck pulled the chair upright to hit him again. The others could only watch helplessly before they could hear the chair starting to creak and groan more and more with each crash. Johann grimaced in furious effort when one of the arms came loose enough for one of his hands to break free from the rope.

Johann swiftly caught Buck off guard by suddenly yanking out a loose chunk of the arm, driving it with all his might into Buck's lower side, directly into one of his kidneys. The man let out a savage roar of agonizing pain as Johann desperately freed himself from what remained of his chair. A gut wrenching look of pain was written all over Buck's face as he pried the chunk of wood out of his side.

Johann instantly bolted up the stairs without hesitation as Buck tried to reach out and stop him, only for Noah and Marcus to suddenly launch themselves into him with their own chairs; their combined weight barely enough to throw him off balance before they tried to slam into him again to hopefully shatter the chairs and regain control of their hands.

*smash*

[Hostile Groove - Fly Routine]

Both chairs fell to pieces as the two Lawson brothers quickly fought against their ropes until they were finally free from their restraints. Buck quickly recovered as he rushed towards them like a raging bull. The two Lawson's barely jumped aside in time to avoid being nailed by their attacker and his incredibly strong fists. Buck quickly swerved around and managed to backhand Noah to the floor, only for Marcus to retaliate by landing a solid hit against the maniac's jaw. The giant of a man just glared menacingly at Marcus with unbridled rage boiling in his eyes; prompting Marcus to get back on the defensive; unfortunately unable to tell just what Buck would do next.

Buck was relentlessly chasing him around the room, throwing punch after punch that Marcus could only hope to dodge. Every hit he couldn't block or deflect sent him staggering across the room with flaring pain, as if he'd taken full impact from a folding chair. His senses were all on fire as Buck could see that the young teen clearly couldn't keep this up much longer.

However, Buck was so focused on grabbing Marcus, he was unable to react when he jumped aside only for Buck to run straight into Frasier, who was simply waiting for him to get close enough. Frasier launched his curled up legs straight out into Buck's nose; sending the massive man reeling back with a broken nose profusely bleeding down his face.

"Hurry! Get him down!" Marcus called out as he quickly tossed a nearby hacksaw on a work bench to Noah.

Noah caught it just in time before he began to desperately slice his way through the metal handcuffs that kept Frasier restrained; both brothers trying to focus on breaking loose while Marcus began to wail on Buck with one of the broken chair legs. However, the hulking brute just shrugged it off and formed a tight fist.

Unable to dodge, Marcus held his hands out before his body was launched back into the wall hard. His body slowly slumped over to the floor; recoiling from the heavy damage he'd just absorbed from such an impact as he struggled to regain his breath.

"One down." Buck muttered to himself as he spat out a thick glob of saliva, blood, and a chipped tooth onto the floor; turning his sights to Noah, who had his back turned to him while still trying to cut Frasier free.

"Noah, watch out!" Frasier called out, only to watch his little brother suddenly being pulled back by his hair before Buck proceeded to sweep his feet, sending Noah nearly face first into the ground. The twisted psychopath barely kept his head up before pressing it against the cold concrete floor.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to a pretty face like that…not at all." Buck said in an eerily soft tone before he began to run his free hand down Noah's back; the young boy tearing up in horror as he was completely powerless to fight back against the massive brute.

"I told you I'd break you, kid…and where's the fun in waiting?" Buck whispered into Noah's ear as his hand began to pull Noah's jeans down; only for Frasier to suddenly come in at the last second and drop kick Buck in the face; sending him sprawling to the ground. Buck quickly got back up; his whole face going deep red as he realized what had just hit him.

Noah weakly looked up to see Frasier had managed to break the chain connecting his cuffs. Both of his wrists were deeply cut from his constant struggling; bleeding heavily onto the floor. Buck was quick to recover as he began to swing wildly at the eldest Lawson, who likewise responded with quick jabs and elbows in between the small windows of opportunities his deadly foe left for him in the midst of his savage assault. Noah was nothing less than astonished that his brother was actually able to go toe to toe with such a huge opponent that virtually dwarfed the oldest Lawson.

Buck and Frasier were suddenly clashing head on; each one throwing a fist, only for the other to catch it in the opposite hand. Both bloodthirsty opponents began to push back and forth, as if exerting their dominance over the other and testing who had the superior strength. At first it seemed like Frasier had the edge, but his fatigue and injuries quickly caught up to him as he folded slightly. Capitalizing on this weakness, Buck suddenly wrestled Frasier to the ground, both of them breaking off for a split second only to roll away from each other across the floor.

"I'm going to personally enjoy watching the rottters eat you. Can you feel it yet? Like thousands of teeth pulling you apart piece by piece?" Buck chuckled as he grasped Frasier's bandages and mercilessly pressed a thumb against his fresh stitches. Frasier groaned from the flaring pain before forming a fist and decking Buck back.

"What, that's fucking it? Pathetic!" Buck taunted as he towered over Frasier only to bring the heel of his boot hard against his chest. Over and over he'd kick and stomp down, causing Frasier to cough blood up from the extensive injuries he'd endured from this fight alone. Frasier grasped his foot at one point in a last ditch effort to counterattack, only to then be punched between the eyes; causing him to let go; completely at the mercy of the relentless Buck.

Before Buck could completely crush Frasier's ribs, Noah suddenly jumped onto his back; driving a wooden fragment with all his might into his spine, causing the vicious psychopath to let out a blood-curdling howl of pain and shock before he pried Noah off. The young teen was unable to react as Buck suddenly grabbed him an immense bear hug.

Noah instantly felt his arms, back and chest being crushed with every passing second. He couldn't help but cry out in agony as it felt like his bones would break like twigs any second now. Tears ran down his twisting face as his squirming and thrashing about was useless against Buck's brute strength.

"What're you gonna do now, kid? Huh? Nothing! That's fucking what!" Buck cruelly taunted, chuckling to himself as he squeezed even harder, as if to snap Noah's spine in half.

Unable to muster up the strength to scream anymore, Noah could only think back to his training; remembering Arthur putting him through this very exact exercise for when a significantly stronger opponent would put Noah in this position. The young Brit felt everything around him going dark as his mouth opened wide. Buck grinned softly as if expecting one final shout of pain from his young victim.

However, instead of a shout of agony or pain, Noah suddenly swung his neck forward until his teeth sank deep into Buck's neck. The sickening taste of blood poured into his mouth as he only bit down harder and harder. Buck's eyes shot wide open as he immediately let go of Noah and stumbled back with his hand grasping tightly at the gaping hole in his throat.

A terrified look filled his eyes to see his own blood oozing out from between his fingers as Noah just stared at him with his flesh still in his mouth before spitting it out in disgust. At first it seemed like Buck was about to go for something to stab Noah with, only for Marcus to suddenly rush in at the very last second.

[]

*squelch*

Noah and Frasier watched in awe as Marcus wedged a large wooden splinter into Buck's ear until it was left sticking out. Both those sick, twisted, unforgiving hazel eyes remained fixed on the ceiling before Buck's body finally gave in and crumpled to the floor like a massive oak. Marcus stood there breathing slowly as he kept clenching his fists in and out; his entire body trembling as watched the blood pooling in Buck's ear and running down his face from his dull, fixated eyes. Marcus nearly felt the urge to puke right then and there as he felt the cold realization that he'd just killed a living person for the first time ever.

However, this was not enough for Noah. Not after the five minutes of living hell that monster had just put them through; and especially not after what he'd almost done to Noah himself. The youngest teen pulled out the chunk of sharpened wood from Buck's ear; grasping it tight in his hands until his knuckles turned white, only to instantly bring it straight down into Buck's chest. Over and over he would stab, tears running freely down his face as he couldn't stop himself from driving it deeper into their attacker's chest cavity; not even feeling the warmth of the blood as it splashed back against his face every single time he reared back for another swing; screaming out louder and louder with rage and terror with every impact.

"Noah...Noah! That's enough! It's over! C'mere!" Marcus suddenly shouted as he couldn't bear to see Noah so legitimately terrified like a small child.

His arms wrapped around Noah as he could feel his heartbeat throbbing throughout his body as he was trembling uncontrollably. Both of them began to gently sob as Frasier slowly pulled himself back up. They then looked over to him, as if expecting him to know what to do next. Before Frasier could say anything, they could hear the sound of someone bursting into the house.

"C'mon, we have to take care of that other looney if Johann hasn't already!" Frasier suddenly ordered as he motioned then to leave Buck's corpse and follow him up the stairs.

(Five Minutes Earlier)

Minutes earlier, Johann had just reached the top of the stairs and back up to the first floor. Just as he was about to charge up the stairs to get the jump on Joe, he suddenly came face to face with his crazed captor, who instantly pinned him against the wall with a hard slam. Several of the framed photos came crashing to the floor at the sudden impact as Johann ignored the pain as pure rage-fueled adrenaline coursed through his body.

Johann quickly punched downwards across Joe's cheek, only for the scrawny man to retaliate by kneeing him in the side. Both were only seeing red as their eyes blazed with raw hatred and the desire to kill the other. Both were practically equal in strength, but the burning adrenaline and hatred made them even more vicious as they tried to get the upper hand over each other.

Joe suddenly swung his body around and sent Johann stumbling across the room, watching as he lost his balance and tripped over the couch; landing with a hard thud as the psychotic American moved in to finish him off.

However, Johann quickly recovered and looked up at Joe while he was just on one knee. The madman kicked one of his legs out right for Johann's nose, but the young man fortunately managed to anticipate and react by narrowly tilting his head out of the way before grasping Joe's entire leg. Johann quickly got back on his feet, causing Joe to tilt back and rock off balance before the enraged teen managed to pull him in. One punch clocked Joe across the jaw, a second one railed against his eye; a third hit caused Joe's head to recoil from the strong uppercut that broke several of his teeth.

When Johann tried to land a fourth hit, Joe caught it in in an act of desperation and countered by jumping upwards to let his weight break Johann's hold on his leg; sending them both collapsing to the floor. The crazed killer ended up falling hard on his back as Johann tried to get on top of him, only to be kicked in the chest, nearly launching him off his feet as he staggered back into the wall; desperately trying to regain the wind knocked from his lungs. Taking advantage of this window of opportunity, Joe lunged forward close enough to start kicked at Johann's shins and kneecaps.

The young German let out a painful shout as one of the kicks caused his right knee to buckle and send him toppling to the hard wood floor. Joe spared no time getting on top of his injured foe, his fingers wrapping around Johann's neck. His green eyes shot wide open as he could feel his throat slowly being crushed. Both of Johann's hands desperately tried to break Joe's hold on his neck, but the crazed bastard's grip was far too tight, as if this was what he was the most skilled at doing.

Johann's face began to turn a dark blue as every passing second without oxygen was starting to make him black out. Everything began to feel cold as his vision began to fade to black as he could only hear the dull beating of his own heart thundering in his head.

"After I'm done with you fucks, I'm going to pay a little visit to your friends at that hotel. Tell them you four are still alright and waiting for them here. They'll never even see it com-" Joe began to whisper in a malicious growl as Johann was mere seconds from passing out. However, his threat was cut short when Johann suddenly reached up and managed to dig a finger into Joe's left eye.

Joe's hands instantly reeled back screaming as he instinctively covered his bleeding eye. Johann instantly used what strength he had left to kick Joe off of him and put some distance between them. He desperately got onto his knees as he struggled to try and breathe; trying to regain his senses only to notice Joe had unexpectedly slipped away from the room.

Just as Johann stepped into the living room, he heard the sudden sound of a bolt being pulled back. Certain Joe had grabbed a rifle; he sprinted for the door and made a mad dash into the forest, all the while hoping Joe would follow him instead of just going downstairs to help Buck deal with the Lawson's.

*Krak*

The bark from a nearby tree suddenly burst from a bullet's impact as Johann ducked down and crept further into the forest; trying his best not to leave a trail as he could hear Joe jogging over to the edge of the brush. The sound of a single round being loaded into could be heard as a soft chuckle could be heard.

"Oh, Johann! Come out; come out, wherever you are! I promise this won't hurt a bit!" Joe taunted as he began to slowly pace back and forth; looking around as if expecting to find Johann simply cowering in the bushes.

*snap*

Joe instantly spun around at the sound of a twig being stepped on. At first he was surprised to see it was just one of 'Them' that had been passing through. He then smirked and took quick aim.

*Krak*

The undead man recoiled back as half its head was blown clean off by the powerful .30-06 round. Thick, brown blood painted a nearby tree as the body crumpled to the ground. The gunshot echoed and rang in Johann's ears as he tried to remain deathly still in his hiding spot. His heart was beating fast as cold sweat beaded across his brow. He quickly kept his hands over his mouth in the hopes of hiding the sound of his breathing as he could hear every one of Joe's footsteps.

Joe began to nervously look around as he tried to peek around several trees and bushes he was sure Johann was using; certain that he hadn't taken off further into the forest.

*Krak* *Krak*

Two more rifle shots suddenly broke the silence. Another undead body hit the ground just a few feet from Johann with two large holes in it; one in the leg and a clean headshot.

"C'mon, Johann! Stop being a pussy and show yourself!" Joe roared out impatiently. Another one of 'Them' soon wandered right past Johann and towards Joe, only for the undead woman to be gunned down like the rest.

*Krak*

"You know, it's funny seeing some of these undead bastards out here. It kinda reminds me of the first day this all started; more specifically YOUR place." Joe suddenly called out as Johann felt himself tightly clenching his fists together out of anticipation, certain that if Joe kept walking forward, he could get the jump on him.

"You should've seen the looks on your aunt and uncle's faces when I found them. What a couple of idiots, thinking I was going to save them just in time from those undead fucks once they busted in." Joe continued as that statement alone instantly tempted Johann to break cover and dart straight for him. However, he just remained hidden behind the tree as Joe could be heard wandering the slightest bit closer.

"There were too many to fight, so we ended up retreating upstairs to their room. Once 'They' started breaking down the door, your precious little family didn't even know what hit them when I drove my knife into your aunt's throat! The look on your uncle's face was priceless, especially when I stabbed him in the gut. Once that was over, I just sat back in the closet and watched them get torn to pieces without even putting up a fight." Joe went on with the most satisfied grin on his face, almost as if thinking back on it was getting his rocks off. Johann meanwhile was fighting every burning instinct in his body to charge out there and rip Joe's head right off his fucking shoulders.

"I think the best part though, was the moment where they thought it might've been you that came to the rescue. Had you been there...I like to think it would've made all the difference." Joe finished mocking before he let out a genuine laugh; all while Johann could only look down and cover his mouth even tighter, silently sobbing to himself. It became increasingly harder for him to breathe as Joe was still lurking close by.

"Then there's your sweet little girlfriend, Toshimi...oh, all the times she tried to hold onto even the tiniest ounce of hope; always going on about how any day now you'd come to the rescue and everything would be alright again. Sure, she fought back at first; but that just made it all the more worthwhile as I got to see the hope fade from her eyes with each day you didn't show up; watching her silently accept that you just left her to this hellish fate. She didn't even bother to fight back after that. I got to make her my personal little plaything, and it was all because you were fucking stupid enough to trust me with her life." Joe finally finished with a cruel, chilling, mocking laugh that finally pushed Johann beyond any restraint he once had. Deep down he knew this was exactly what Joe wanted and that this was probably going to get him killed; but none of that mattered anymore, not after a red steak snapped through his mind that caused him to get up and charge.

[John Willams - Final Duel]

Johann let out a savage cry of unyielding rage as he charged the blonde American with every intention of tearing him apart with his bare hands. Nothing mattered more to him now as his feet felt a thousand pounds heavier as he was charging blind with the sole intention to slaughter the man in front of him. Joe smiled victoriously as he lifted the rifle up and aimed straight at Johann as he kept charging straight for him like a lamb into the hungry jaws of a wolf.

*Krak*

The rifle bounced up in response to the recoil as the .30-06 round tore through the air; the loud rifle letting out its devastating crackle for miles. Joe's eyes widened as the shot unexpectedly completely missed Johann and instead struck a nearby tree; the bark instantly shattering from the impact as he hurriedly pulled the bolt back to take a second shot. Johann was now at point blank range, there was no possible way he could miss now with the barrel practically up against his chest.

*click*

Joe's eyes widened even further at the realization that he spent so much time taunting Johann that he'd forgotten to reload the rifle. He watched helplessly as Johann grasped the barrel of the gun and shoved it aside, only for his fist to suddenly pound straight into Joe's other eye with bone-breaking force. The cowardly killer let out a shriek of pain as his other eye practically exploded on impact; all while he could feel that part of his skull cracking as he tumbled to the ground. However, Johann was far from finished. Knowing the man beneath him was completely blind and unable to fight back, Johann proceeded to mercilessly give Joe everything he had.

He began to take wild swing after wild swing, punching Joe's face repeatedly; ignoring the blood splashing across his face as he watched Joe's face bleed and crack more and more as he couldn't even hope to try and fight back. Johann couldn't even feel the stinging of blood in his eyes as his body was running on autopilot and burning with physical exhaustion and bloodthirsty rage.

In a split second of pause, Johann grabbed Joe by the collar, lifting him up only to hammer his skull into the ground. With the sound of breaking bones ringing through his head, Johann continued his relentless onslaught; hammering his fists into Joe's face until his own hands could no longer form a fist, almost as though he'd break his own hands if he threw one more punch. Knowing this wasn't anywhere near enough when he could see Joe's bruised, bloodied and battered face still showing signs of life; Johann grabbed a nearby rock and raised it over his head. Joe's hand weakly reached up, as if he was about to try begging for mercy.

Smashing the jagged rock down repeatedly, blood flew everywhere almost instantly as Johann continued to smash Joe's face in, like he couldn't stop until he'd smashed every last square inch of Joe's face into an unrecognizable mush. Bloody gargles were all that could be heard before Joe finally fell silent, and only the sound of bone being crushed and brains being splattered remained. The blood-caked rock falling from his hand, Johann just looked down to see he was covered in a gory mess of blood and brain matter; staring at the chunks of skull he didn't smash in mixed with a gruesome mush of brains and smashed eyeballs and shattered teeth and mangled flesh that all used to be Joe's head. Johann couldn't help but look at his own reflection in the crimson pool of blood spreading from the gruesome pile.

The emotionally destroyed youth threw himself back, screaming madly to the sky at the fact he was victorious; kneeling over the headless corpse of a living person, the same man who destroyed everything he once had. As his pulse finally began to slow down, his mind immediately came back to Toshimi, knowing that he had to see her now more than ever if everything Joe had said to torment him was true.

[]

Johann however knew he couldn't dwell on this though, knowing he still had to save Toshimi should Buck still be alive. He couldn't bring himself to accept the idea he was too late. Johann ignored the searing pain coursing through his body as he sprinted back into the cabin.

Just as he burst in through the front door, he looked to see the Lawson's just now escaping from the basement. This being the one sign he needed to know Buck was dead, Johann nodded to them before he rushed up the stairs with the three Brits on his heels. With each step, he could feel his body growing heavier with raw emotion and desperate hope, almost as if it felt like he'd just reached the finish line to a race he'd been running nonstop for nine days now.

Now that it was finally over, the four boys reached the top of the stairs only to see there were only two rooms to search on opposite ends of the short hall. Johann practically kicked the door on the right wide open only to reveal a simple bedroom. Noah then opened the door to their left, letting out a horrified gasp as he stepped back from the sight before him.

The others were quick to respond to his reaction as they went into the room, all completely unprepared for what they were about to find. Johann's lips trembled, his entire body going cold as ice and his heart catching in his throat as he slowly came forward. His knees buckled from beneath him as he collapsed to his hands and knees; his scalp burning and his heart pounding to escape as he struggled to comprehend what he was seeing. His throat became bone dry once more as his eyes began to sting with tears, his hands forming tight fists as he just kept shaking his head in denial, feeling like was about to die from sheer maddening grief.

Both Noah and Marcus looked upon the sight with nothing less than absolute shock and terror. Frasier however just remained as stone cold and unresponsive as ever, as if this was nothing different than what he'd seen any other day; just letting out a soft sigh as he kept his distance.

[Joel Nielsen - Black Mesa Theme Remix]

Johann tried to speak, but no sound could make it past his lips as he slowly crawled to the bed. Laid out for all to see was Toshimi's body handcuffed to the bed. Large medical wraps were tied around the bloody stumps where her legs should've been. Half her face was wrapped in bandages, with a blooming red mark over where her left eye should've been; a thought that sent sickening chills through all three boys gazing upon her. She had bruises and cuts all over her body; each one no doubt able to tell all kinds of tales of the unimaginable cruelties Joe had put her through. Her body was dangerously thin and seemingly hollow, like she had only been nourished just enough to stay alive, and barely at that.

"Oh…oh…ooh god, god, god…oh god, Toshimi...oh, what has he been doing to you? Why would anyone do this? WHY?!" Johann mumbled before finally screaming in agony, literally gazing upon his worst nightmare made undeniable reality.

He quickly unfastened her restraints, watching both her arms fall limp and lifelessly at her sides. Toshimi made no sound aside from the occasional gasp for air. Johann just knelt at her bedside, his mind racing a million thoughts a second for anything he could do. This was beyond even his darkest fears. A part of him could only vainly hope this was all just some terrible nightmare, no matter how much he knew this was all real and there was nothing he could do to change any of it; only able to continue sobbing in despair.

Frasier slowly walked over; his cold blue eyes scanning over everything in the room. He was quick to notice there was an IV tube connecting her arm to a plastic bag on a nearby nightstand that looked to be containing some liquid substance to help keep her sustained.

"I think I know why Joe came back to the city now. He must've looted a pharmacy or hospital for this so he could keep her alive." Frasier commented like a cold, calculating machine as he gazed down at her mangled form without any trace of sympathy or sadness.

"Oh Jesus Christ…I-I can't do this. I'm gonna be sick." Marcus announced in a sickened groan before he ran down the stairs to throw up in private.

Noah was about to follow right behind him, but he suddenly felt Frasier holding him back to stay; turning back to see what he was doing, Noah then felt Frasier turning his head to look back at the bed.

"Look at this, Noah. You see that? This most likely would've been you if we didn't kill those loony bastards. Take it all in." Frasier softly whispered as his youngest brother was shedding tears and felt sick to his stomach having to look at the grizzly scene.

"Stop...please, stop, Frasier, I don't want to look anymore." Noah begged as he felt like he couldn't hold his vomit in much longer. Frasier's grip however remained strong as he kept Noah in place.

"No, you look at her and you remember this day, every single thing about it. You always judge me for being the way I am? Well, THIS is exactly why I'm so damn mean. This is why I don't trust anyone beyond our family. THIS is why I have to be the bad guy, the monster, the heartless brute. I do it so that THIS will never happen to you or Marcus. We live in more harsh times than ever before, Noah, and showing even the slightest hint of weakness will lead to our deaths...or worse in her case. You just remember that from now on." Frasier explained in a chilling whisper into Noah's ear, as if reciting a deep and twisted lullaby that caused Noah to drop to his knees.

Unable to move, he suddenly vomited on the floor as Frasier just stared down at him before looking over to Toshimi. The rough Brit then slowly knelt down and began to rub his brother's back; gently patting it as if out of affection and comfort, realizing that Noah wasn't ever going to be able to trly cope with this brutal new world like he could.

"Frasier, please, I need your help. I'm really banged up…I need you to help me carry Toshimi to the van…in that dugout Joe mentioned." Johann suddenly requested; managing to catch Frasier's attention right away.

"Johann…" Frasier began to say, only for Johann to rest his face into the sheets of Toshimi's bed, his fingers clutching onto them in a death grip, as if he was trying to block out anything the eldest Lawson would have to say.

"We can carry her together, and then we can carefully drive her back to the hotel." Johann said as he seemed to have a plan already laid out he'd gone over a million times; the sense of desperate hope in his voice nothing less than heartbreaking to anyone else who'd listen to him.

"Johann..." Frasier muttered softly as he knew where this was going. His words however just fell on deaf ears as Johann kept talking.

"Shizuka-sensei can help patch her up like she did with us. Then over time, she'll be able to talk and recover from her injuries and then-" Johann continued to explain only for Frasier to suddenly yank him up by the collar and smack him hard across the face several times to snap him from his delusion.

"Have you entirely lost the plot?! Look at her again, man! She's barely breathing and missing both her legs! She won't last long even IF Shizuka-sensei can help keep her sustained. The resources that we'd need would be near impossible to maintain for the recovery time she'd need. I'm sorry, Johann, but you need to make a choice." Frasier suddenly roared in Johann's face to break him from his foolish delusion. Johann could only look furiously into Frasier's gaze, as if the Brit had just stabbed him in the back with what he was suggesting.

"Don't tell me that, Frasier. Don't make me choose anything that doesn't include Toshimi coming with us." Johann replied in denial as he shook his head at even entertaining the idea that Toshimi couldn't come back with them.

"Johann, she's suffering. How long do you want to put her through this hell? Give her the mercy she deserves." Frasier reiterated as he had to restrain from dragging Johann away like a disobedient dog; clearly not looking to waste any more of their time here, all while remaining unwilling to acknowledge the raw emotional despair the young man before him was suffocating from.

"Fuck you! How can you say that to me?! How can you ask me to do such a thing?! What if this was that Saeko girl you're so damn hung up over?!" Johann shouted furiously; having to resist every instinct telling him to knock Frasier flat on his ass for even suggesting something so terrible.

"I'd do it without a second thought if she told me to, as would I expect from all of you should I ever be in a state like that. Johann…do the right thing. If you can't do it, then let me. You don't have to do it yourself; just stand aside and let me pull the trigger. It will be clean, quick, and painless." Frasier answered in a deathly serious tone before he pulled out Mark's handgun.

Johann just stood there, glaring at the handgun before turning back to Toshimi. The more he looked at her, the more he realized she was living in unimaginable agony with each passing second; feeling an unbearable sickening sensation enveloping his entire being as he finally had to acknowledge there was literally nothing else they could hope to do. Trying futilely to fight back the tears that just wouldn't stop coming, he bowed his head before slowly walking over to Toshimi's side once more. Noah and Frasier just watched as Johann slowly knelt down so his head was level with hers.

"I never stopped looking for you, Toshimi. I love you so much; nothing could keep me from finding you again. If you only knew how hard I tried to find you…I'm so sorry, Toshimi. If only I'd gotten here sooner, then this…this…oh god, Toshimi, I'm so, so sorry. I could never be able to say it enough. Toshimi...I love you...I've always loved you…I love you so much... I'm so sorry. Please…please forgive me." Johann said in the softest of voices, tears flowing freely down his face again as he could see Toshimi weakly looking over at him; watching as he poured his heart out to her before bowing his head into the sheets as he proceeded to sob uncontrollably.

Johann could only think to keep letting every last bit of his misery and despair out right there at Toshimi's bedside; only to suddenly feel one of her hands gently touching the side of his face. As he slowly raised his head to look at her again, a faint smile could be seen forming along her lips as a single tear began to form in her eye. Before Johann's eyes, he could see Toshimi's lips moving only the slightest, as if she was struggling to speak. As if driven by instinct, Johann leaned in closer as Toshimi was barely able to lift her head only the slightest so that her lips were right up to his ear.

"…I…never…stopped…b-believing…no matter…what he did…I-I…knew…you would come…so please…don't be sad…it's okay…I…I'll always love you…please…find a way…to be happy…I love you, Johann."

Johann looked into Toshimi's eye, looking deep into the boundless loving warmth that still managed to radiate in her gaze as her lips formed a heartwarming, genuine smile to accompany her final words to him. Johann couldn't find the strength for words, only able to lean in and plant one final kiss on those warm, sweet lips he'd never be able to experience ever again. As he pulled his head back from hers, Toshimi gave him one final smile before finally closing her eye, a look of peaceful contentment on her face, as though she was fully ready for what was to come.

Unable to bear the idea of what was about to happen, Noah helped Johann out of the room and down the stairs, noticing how Johann actually covered his ears, as if to drown out or ignore the inevitable bang of that last yet most terrible gunshot that would tear out the largest piece of his soul once it came. Once he helped Johann sit himself on the sofa, Noah couldn't help but feel the most morbid kind of curiosity creep into his head as he looked to the kitchen; recalling how Joe was so resistant to Frasier seeing what was inside before. Unable to handle the thought of never knowing, Noah carefully approached it; his heart beating like mad as he honestly had no idea what to expect anymore.

The moment he opened the refrigerator, his jaw dropped in disgust and horror-stricken awe. Inside were two large glass jars, each one filled with the severed head of the two little girls Joe had with him. Noah instantly slammed the door shut as he trembled all over in shock; his stomach twisting in knots at the sight of such unimaginable cruelty, such sheer unadulterated EVIL; instantly feeling no remnants of regret for what he did to Buck, and feeling that whatever Johann did to Joe was nowhere remotely close to enough. He stumbled back to Johann's side to ensure that he'd be there for him when Frasier pulled the trigger.

Marcus, who had just finished cleaning himself off after puking outside, heard a sudden gunshot sound out from inside the cabin, prompting him to come sprinting back inside. When he saw Johann on the sofa with his head in his hands, Noah gently patting his back out of comfort, and Frasier descending down the stairs; holstering the smoking gun, he knew exactly what just happened.

"Come on, Marcus. We're checking out the dugout, taking what we can…and then we're burning this God-forsaken place to the ground." Frasier ordered, making a beeline past his brother as he was absolutely sick to death of being in this wretched cabin for a second longer.

[]

(Several minutes later)

[Timber Timbre – It Comes Back to Haunt Us]

Noah and Johann sat silently on the porch of the cabin, watching as Frasier and Marcus went off to scavenge the dugout to see what kind of supplies they could take. Johann was deathly silent and just sat with his knees up to his chest while his eyes were staring off absently into the vast distance, not responding to anything around him. Noah couldn't even begin to think of what he could possibly say, so he simply chose to pat his back out of sympathy, knowing only a mere fraction of how devastated Johann must've felt.

A warm breeze passed by, picking up a pile of leaves only to scatter them all over the grove. The skies were still a soft baby blue with puffy white clouds casting their titanic shadows over the forest. A flock of birds took flight from the trees as two bright yellow butterflies fluttered within arms-reach of the youngest Lawson. It was such a beautiful scene despite the unspeakable horrors they'd witnessed here only a few minutes ago.

He couldn't even begin to imagine what would be in store for them next after a day like today. He still felt his heart racing when thinking back to what would've happened if they didn't escape that hellhole; shuddering as he saw glimpses of Buck being played back in his head; the painful memories and life-changing feeling he felt as he stabbed the crazed survivor's corpse over and over again; that darkness that overcame him as he'd never felt so weak and helpless before, let alone remembering how Marcus and Frasier nearly died as well. Never did he want to experience that horrid feeling so long as he lived.

Meanwhile, the Frasier and Marcus finally managed to pry open the door to the dugout with a crowbar. Thanks to the power supply from the solar panels above, the moment they wandered inside, a motion sensor activated the lights; giving them a perfect view of everything that was now at their fingertips.

First and foremost was the white van with the blue star on the side. The keys dangled from the ignition as if it were ready for bugging out at a seconds notice. The two Lawson's looked around to see all kinds of tools and gadgets that would give them quite the advantage. It was quickly decided between them that they'd leave the van here but siphon the fuel for any number of different uses.

However, the crowning jewel in this place was the wall at the end of the dugout where all types of guns were lined up for the taking. Some of the firearms that Joe mentioned would be illegal to own even in the United States turned out to be more than true when they could even see a number of Kalashnikov variants that were fully automatic. While it was a genuine mystery as to how Buck managed to get all of these weapons into Japan in the first place, it didn't matter anymore as they began to decide what they should take back with them.

Knowing they couldn't bring every last one, they simply took three rifles: A very well maintained AK-103 with a bayonet attachment; a Sig SG550 with a 30-round magazine extension; and an AR-15 with several modifications. Marcus loaded up all the ammo types he knew they'd be needing into several boxes (7.62x39 mm, NATO 5.56x45 mm, and Remington 223) as well as taking spare ammo for the Springfield Super Match M1A1 and the Armalite AR-10 (NATO 7.62x51mm) both Rei and Khota were using.

With the new guns slung along their backs, Frasier spent the next few minutes filling up a jerry can with the van's fuel; carrying it in one hand while taking a crate of munitions in the other. Both brothers remained completely silent walking through the grove as the door to the expansive dugout was left open to the rest of the world. Noah managed to bring Johann along so they could both take a crate themselves to help lighten the load; all before the four finally silently agreed it was time to leave this wretched place.

With their siphoned fuel, crates of ammo, new weapons, and one very bad set of memories to haunt them for the rest of their lives, all four boys began to walk out of the grove as the fire Frasier had set soon after began to consume the entire cabin; engulfing the remnants of the horrors that took place with the orange and yellow flames that tore it all down, the wooden cabin crackling and wailing as the structure couldn't handle it for much longer before it collapsed in on itself in a raging inferno. A tall trail of smoke rose up into the air to be seen for kilometers around. The four survivors watched for a moment to see entire herds of 'Them' wandering into the grove to check out the commotion before the boys turned away and pressed on to vanish within the otherwise beautiful forest.

While they marched through the forest with their newly acquired supplies, they could only try their best to not think about what just took place and move on with their lives. It only took them forty minutes to reach the SDF truck now that they knew where to go. The drive back to the hotel was entirely silent as they each contemplated what they were going to do now; each of them uncertain what they'd be faced with in the future, if there was even a future to be had.

[]

(At that time, back in Tokonosu City…)

At the time the four boys had awakened in that cabin; back in the city, it was decided amongst Takashi's group that they'd take this time to finally check on Tadashi's evacuation setup at the elementary school just a couple kilometers from their location. Just in case it was too dangerous to bring an entire group with them that would stand out like a sore thumb; only Rei, Kiriko, and Takashi went to scout the area out. Despite how certain they felt of it still standing on the way, they could only feel an overwhelming sense of despair when they finally arrived.

"No...No, no, no, this can't be!" Rei muttered softly as she shook her head in disbelief; taking off ahead of the other two as she stopped abruptly before running into a chain linked fence.

Her fingers grasped desperately onto the fence as she looked on to see the elementary school was completely abandoned. Not a single sign of movement, be it human or 'Them', could be seen. It was as if everyone who had set up here had completely packed up and left without a trace they were even here. Tears began to fill Rei's red-brown eyes as she tried her best to fight the urge to scream; her lips quivering as she bowed her head in defeat. They had been so close to finding her father, and now all that hope had been snatched away just like that.

'Mom...' Takashi thought to himself as he couldn't help but feel a cold, twisting sensation of deep concern in his chest at the thought of his mother, a teacher at this very school, and whether she was able to make it out unharmed or not; all the while trying to remain strong as he could only scowl at the abandoned school.

"Oh, Rei…honey, I'm so sorry." Kiriko began to express as she put her hand on her daughter's back only for Rei to pull away out of anger.

"For what? Convincing me that there was hope? That there was still a chance dad was still alive and not one of those things?!" Rei began to question in a low growl as she clenched both fists tight, engulfed in an unbearable wave of both despair and anger at everything this new world had thrown at her.

"Rei...we had to pull back, or else we never would've survived the night. The trip was far too dangerous and we had no ammunition. I would've been suicide to keep going." Kiriko tried to explain in an effort to calm her daughter down; knowing it was all her fault that they missed whatever happened here.

"He's still alive." Takashi suddenly announced, catching both their attention straight away at how he could still manage to be that optimistic in spite of the evidence, or lack thereof that was there for them to see.

"How do you know that?" Rei scoffed in disbelief as she felt like it was just another trick to make her believe Tadashi was still alive, as if he was just treating her like a small child.

"Look at this place! There's no bullet casings, smoke, fire or even blood. There's no signs of a fight happening here whatsoever! There's no way he could have evacuated either, because I know for a fact your father, your husband, would never go without knowing your fate!" Takashi exclaimed to both of them as he spoke in a sharp tone to get his point across. Rei and Kiriko looked at each other before realizing the solid ground to Takashi's theory.

"You're...you're right. That has to be it…it just has to be. He must be looking for us then if they did evacuate...thank you, Takashi. Thank you." Rei finally said in realization and relief before gratefully hugging him tight with the brightest smile he'd seen on her in quite some time. Kiriko couldn't help but smile as she shot him a nod of approval.

"Don't worry, Rei. We WILL find him. When, I can't say, but if we stay vigilant, we might find another clue he left behind. But let's head back for now. I don't like standing out in the open like this." Takashi vowed to her as they then proceeded to head back to the hotel; arriving an hour prior to the return of their rescue party of four.

When the SDF truck rolled in, everyone was both delighted and relieved to see the return of their fellow survivors fully intact. They all rushed out to see the newest member of their group as had been promised; only to quickly form looks of confusion when the four boys closed the doors and instead just started unloading weapons and munitions instead; their faces all stone cold as they remained dead silent, sending an uneasy chill down everyone's backs when it finally hit them that it must've gone terribly wrong.

"Johann...?" Rei softly called out in deep concern, watching as Johann brushed by without even making any eye contact with her; his eyes red from what must've been untold amounts of weeping.

"Boys...what happened?" Shizuka asked as they all four remained quiet; Noah looking like he was about to cry himself as Marcus just looked pissed off. At the same time, Frasier had the most ominous reaction of all where he just looked even more cold and emotionless than usual.

Their faces conveyed nothing. Nothing but the looks soldiers returning from a fierce battle that took the lives of many men would have. The front doors to the hotel slowly closed behind them as the others stood there by the SDF truck completely shell-shocked by what they'd just seen in those boys. Knowing there was no point in standing around looking at one another awkwardly; they soon went back inside the hotel to prepare dinner and hopefully get their minds off of whatever had happened to their friends.

Later that night, the returning survivors remained completely distant and didn't even come down to eat. Nobody knew how to respond, so they simply explained that dinner was ready should they want anything, only to then eat without them; completely perplexed by what tragic event they had to endure to make them act in such a worrying manner.

As Johann remained secluded in his room with the door locked, and Frasier took watch alone with nobody to keep him company, Hitomi walked into Noah's room to check up on him. He was fast asleep with a pillow over the back of his head. The entire sheet near his face was drenched in his tears. Beside him sat Marcus with a small bottle of sake in hand, taking a light sip from it only to then notice Hitomi was looking at them from the door.

"Marcus-kun...please, tell me everything." Hitomi requested in softly as her eyes showed nothing but concern for them all; slowly walking up to him and taking the bottle away from him with little resistance.

"We just got reminded that 'They' aren't the only thing to watch out for anymore…that there are still things much, much, MUCH worse than death out there. I-I-I don't want to talk about this. I just need to forget this ever happened." Marcus answered as he had a hard time keeping his voice down. His voice had a low, soft, somber ring to it that caused Hitomi to then bring herself around him as he softly began to cry in her arms.