I do not own Highschool of the DEAD or its characters.

Update: 10/18/13

Two hours later, as they took a break for lunch, Saya heard Toda and someone else talking in the blacksmith area. Walking over to see what was going on, she found Toda and one of the younger troopers, Kurogane, digging into the charcoal in the built-in forge. Stopping with her hands on her hips she watched for a minute before asking, "Toda-san? What are you doing?"

Looking up, he smiled, "Oh! Takagi-san! We are trying to find out how the forge is made, since we cannot take this one with us."

"My uncle was a bricklayer," Kurogane told her. "I worked with him after school and during holidays when I was in high school. I know I can brick a house or build a wall that would stay up, but I'm not sure about a forge. What we want to see is how the bellows are hooked in, and if the base of the fire pit is done in any certain way like a bowl or V-shaped."

"Another thing is fuel," Toda said. "I'm sure coal will work, but does it need to be a certain kind, and if we cannot get coal, would charcoal do just a well? How do you make charcoal anyway? I know it has something to do with burned wood, but that's about it. How you found any books on blacksmithing or metalworking Takagi-san?"

She shook her head, "No, didn't think to look for them, but I will now." She left them to their investigation and headed off to find Saeko.

Stepping outside where the box truck was being loaded, she found Saeko and Rei practicing with naginatas in the open parking lot. Saya watched as the blades spun and stabbed. Saeko was doing well, but it was like Rei was floating on air. She spun, stabbed, sliced and jabbed with the butt end as well as the blade. Saeko finally stopped and just watched Rei with a smile on her face.

When Rei finished her routine Saeko grinned and said, "Very good, sister! I have had a little training, but you are much better with this weapon than I."

Rei smiled as she came over to where Saya and Saeko were standing, "It nice to have this! It's well made plus it's light and easier to slice with than the bayonet. I do like having the gun as a backup though."

"Not to interrupt, but did you see any books on blacksmithing or such when you were in the offices?" Saya asked Saeko.

Saeko thought a minute and shook her head, "There are books in the president's office, but I was busy with other things and did not look to see what they were."

Saya nodded and started toward the office. "I'll go look then."

Saeko quickly started after her, "Ah, Saya, let me go with you, Suishinshi-sama is in there."

Saya stopped for a second and looked back, "The man who committed seppuku?"

Saeko nodded as she and Rei walked inside with Saya.

Upon entering the office, they did their best to ignore the body and search the books quickly. They found several on metalwork, blacksmithing, and other trades Saya thought would come in useful. They moved them to the outer office and packed them into boxes before taking them out to be put in the truck.

Less than thirty minutes later, everything was done and they were ready to roll. This time, Tomasa had the command Humvee lead out, running ahead with orders to scout and find a secure place they could spend the night. Rika waved from the top hatch as they drove out of sight.

Shizuka, Yukari and the children moved to Stryker 2, since everyone else had unloaded to drive vehicles. Paddy took over for Toda in Stryker 1 with Kohta sitting in the commander's hatch. Tomasa asked Saya to navigate while he tried to rest for a bit.

After Tomasa lay on the blankets between the seats, Toda eased over to Saya and Kota. "If you need anything, call me first and let the LT sleep as much as possible. He's not resting enough with that wound in his shoulder," he whispered. They both nodded as he settled down himself.

Takashi, Saeko and Rei climbed back on top and rode behind Kohta and Saya, who directed Paddy and watched with binoculars for trouble down the road.

Saya shook her head, with a smile on her face, as she looked around her. Takashi was smiling as he sat with Saeko on one side and Rei on the other. They pointed out stores as they went by, talking about what might be in them. Saya noticed something had seemed to change in Takashi. He was much more aware of what was going on around him than he had been even a few days ago. He looked around, scanning the surrounding landscape and turning every so often to look back down the convoy as if to make sure everything was in order. Tomasa, Rika and the others are rubbing off on him she thought; I think it's a good thing.

Turning to Kohta, she watched him for a minute as he scanned the road ahead. There was a smile on his face, but he was focused. He knew the responsibility Tomasa had placed in him. He also would look back down the convoy, as well as glancing up at taller buildings and even scanning the sky some as if watching for aircraft.

He looks so natural, Saya thought as he turned and she was caught watching him. Grinning, he winked at her and went back to scanning the road.

"Hey, Saya?" Takashi called out. "Ever think you would be riding along at the head of a military convoy with a unit of hot shot fighters at your back?"

She frowned at him, "Of course I did, baka! I dreamt every night of riding my tank into battle, leading my troops to victory over hordes of undead!"

The others all laughed, but then Kohta leaned over and said, "Well you know, Saya, it's really not a tank but…"

"Shut up, otaku! I know what the hell it is, I'm a genius!"

Everyone howled with laughter until they cried.

000

The laughter died as the day ground on. Hour after hour of traveling wore on everyone in the convoy. They had been able to keep a good pace, but every time they had to bypass a pile of wrecked cars or run through a crowd of undead, the tension went up and nerves frayed. Tokyo was a huge city, and even with all the traveling they had done, they were still far from being out of the metropolitan area. Landscape went back and forth between industrial and green areas with residential off to the sides.

Rika found a truck park with a fenced back area and had it ready when the rest arrived. Once the vehicles were in, and the gate sealed, Paddy started the task of refueling and maintenance.

It was after dark before he was finished, and it was all he could do to just get in the Stryker and drop into a seat. Rei brought him a cup of coffee, which he thanked her for as he got out his notebook. The girl then opened an MRE and took the notebook from his hands.

Paddy looked at her with puzzlement on his face as she said, "Eat and tell me what to put down. I can read and write in English, so it will be no problem for you later," Shrugging his shoulders, he told her what notes to put on what page. She caught on quickly with what he wanted to show, and before he was through with his meal, they were done.

The pair climbed on top of the APC and sat together in the cool night air, while watching dark clouds race across the sky in front of the moon. In the distance they could see lighting flashing as a storm slowly moved toward them.

"What's it like in Boston, Patrick?"

He smiled as his eyes grew distant, "Much like here, but things aren't so crowded together. Now don't misunderstand, there were lots of people, but the buildings are more spaced out and the streets are wider. We lived a little southwest of old town near Ramsay Park. I went to school right up the street at PS 235 from the time I started till I graduated."

"Was school fun for you?"

He nodded, "I always enjoyed it. Of course I had classes I liked and those I didn't. History and math were my favorites, science was my worst. By the time I got to high school though, I was getting bored, so I took summer classes and graduated a year early. Then I got Pa to sign for me to enter the army, and it was off to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training. Ten weeks of basic and then shipped out to Mechanical Maintenance School at Fort Lee, Virginia for six more weeks before being sent to Fort Hood, Texas to hook up with my unit."

"How did you end up in Japan?"

"The unit I was in got tagged to come over for an exchange program for a year. Normally, someone that is only signed up for two years doesn't go overseas, but since I was getting used to the army I let it be known I would reenlist when the time came, so I was approved to come. Then it hit the fan right before time for me to reup. My whole unit got wiped out in a few hours. I was the only one left when we packed out of Camp Zama."

Rei gasped as she covered her mouth, "Why only you? What saved you?"

Paddy shook his head, "Dumb luck I guess. I had gone to supply for some parts and when I got back almost everyone was already turned." He patted the Stryker, "I knew this rig had just been serviced and stocked with supplies so I grabbed what I could and locked myself up inside. Was told by radio to take it out to the airport and that's where I met the LT and Sarge. US army was packing out to Okinawa and realized I was no longer enlisted, so they gave me a choice. We had just found out they were going to a leave all the vehicles to the JSDF and police, so Tomasa asked if I would come with them as their chief of maintenance. Sounded better than my other choice, so I took the job."

Suddenly there was a crack and a flash, as lighting struck not too far in the distance. Rei squealed and jumped. Paddy reached out and wrapped his arms around her saying, "Whoa it's alright, I've got you safe."

She turned and looked at him as he realized what he had done. He started to pull away but she held on and said, "Don't…don't let go. That did scare me a little and…I don't mind you holding me like this."

They sat quietly for a few minutes before Paddy cleared his throat, "Ah, Rei? I think is only fair for me to tell you I'm falling for you. I'll understand if you aren't happy with the idea and will back off if you want me too."

She sat for a minute before laying her head on his shoulder, "Patrick, I think I'm attracted to you also, and I don't mind at all." She sighed as he held her a little tighter, "But there are things you are going to need to know, I'm not ready to talk about them yet. Can you give me some time to sort myself out?"

He nodded as he pressed his cheek to the side of her head. "I'm not going anywhere, Rei. I'll be here waiting, when you're ready."

She nodded and snuggled against him, as the lightning show continued to come closer. A few minutes later they had to crawl back inside as the rain started, and Tomasa ordered everyone in so they could batten down the hatches.

000

It had been a restless night with everyone sleeping in the seats of the trucks unable to stretch out. The driving rain, thunder, and lightning had put them on edge because of not being able to see clearly until daylight. With the daylight, the storms passed on and left a bright new day in its wake.

Rei woke up lying across the seats on the left side of the APC. She opened her eyes to see Takashi sitting up across from her with Saeko's head lying in his lap. She glanced down to find Paddy on the floor beside her, rolled in a blanket using his boots and tunic as a pillow.

Looking back up, she found Takashi watching her with a slight smile on his face. "Want to talk about it?" he asked quietly.

Glancing around, she saw Tomasa sitting watch, looking out of the view ports around the commander's hatch. Kohta was on the floor with Saya cuddled next to him and Toda was snoring silently in the driver's seat.

"Maybe later," she quietly replied.

Tomasa stretched and rubbed his eyes for a moment before saying, "Wake Paddy up please. I think it's time we should get rolling."

Rei reached out and placed her hand on Paddy's shoulder. Shaking it gently she said, "Patrick, Patrick wake up, Tomasa-san wants you."

He grunted and rolled onto his back before reaching out and taking her hand in his. Pulling it to his cheek he muttered, "Five more minutes okay?" His eyes flew open as Takashi made a loud 'snerk' noise behind his hand where he was trying to keep from laughing out loud. The Irish boy's face flushed red as he focused on Rei leaning over him with a smile on her's.

"Ah…umm…wa…" He stuttered as Tomasa began to chuckle waking up the rest of the Stryker's sleeping crew.

"Time to get up Patrick, Tomasa-san wants to get rolling," Rei told him as she held onto his hand, smiling.

Not sure what to say or how to act, Paddy sat up and began to put on his boots as the others pulled off blankets and rubbed sleep out of their eyes.

000

Twenty minutes later, they had mounted up and started to roll. Out the gates and south on the highway as the morning sun reflected on the rain soaked landscape. They dodged abandoned cars and wrecks as best they could. Crossing over to the other side of the highway, they drove against what would have been the traffic flow when the lanes they were in got too backed up with wreckage. More and more they were sending the command Humvee out to scout a way around as they tried to advance.

There were a lot of Them.

Every pause, every stop for a detour became tense as the undead shuffled toward them as soon as the convoy came within earshot. Happily, They were no match for the armored vehicles though, as so long as no one left the safety on the trucks.

Saya had been biting her lip for a while now, but finally had to crawl up close to Kohta and whisper into his ear. Kohta frowned and nodded before climbing out on top of the Stryker. Leaning over he said, "LT? Bathroom problem."

Tomasa nodded, "I was thinking this was coming up. I had hoped to find a clear place to stop, but it seems we will have to fall to the backup." As they started crossing a long bridge over some railroad tracks he called a halt to the convoy.

"Everyone listen up. This will be a ten-minute bathroom break. No one is to leave their vehicles just yet. Since the ladies are all in the two Strykers, they will stay inside and men will crawl on top." Tomasa explained.

Rika climbed out of the command Humvee and ran to the Stryker. Climbing aboard, she went inside as the men crawled out of the hatches. She rescued an embarrassed Paddy who was standing with a red plastic container with a funnel device attached to it. Taking it from him she ran him out and explained to the girls how it worked.

All the men standing on top of trucks and Humvees laughed as Rika called over the radio, "Start your evacuation procedure." Kohta laughed as the streams of urine began to flow. "Where's a zed when you need one!" he exclaimed as the others laughed. Looking around he asked, "Hey Paddy? Aren't you supposed to shake it at the enemy or something like that?"

Paddy laughed, "No, that's those crazy Scots! You be surprised how many get shot in the arse that way! We Irish have more sense than that!"

The all clear was called, and Rika came out of the rear hatch. She handed Paddy the red jug and told him, "Here's a present for you, lad; you know what to do with it!"

Blushing, he replied, "Oh thank you so much, Sarge! I'll treasure it forever!" He emptied its contents over the side while singing, "We're in the Army now. We're not behind a plow. We'll never get rich diggin' a ditch. We're in the Army now!"

The others cackled with laughter as Tomasa got a thoughtful look on his face, "Paddy? Don't you have this thing rigged for sound?"

"And there you go LT giving away my secrets! Give me a minute and I'll fire it up." After piddling around at the vehicle radio he keyed his throat mic, "Okay everyone set your vehicle radios to channel three for your listening pleasure of 'Paddy's Rock & Roll radio'! Sorry I don't take requests, and no; I don't have any J-pop."

The tired mood lightened as a series of old, American rock & roll hits played for them as they advanced down the road. Takashi sat back smiling as he and the others sang parts of different songs they knew. A few minutes into the playlist, Saeko leaned forward and said, "Oh I know this one!" and started to sing.

I was born in the wagon of a travellin' show
My mama used to dance for the money they'd throw
Papa would do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good

Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We'd hear it from the people of the town
They'd call us Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down

Picked up a boy just south of Mobil

Gave him a ride, filled him with a hot meal

I was sixteen, he was twenty-one
Rode with us to Memphis
And papa woulda shot him if he knew what he'd done

Saya, Rei and the others laughed until almost crying as Takashi's face went red, while Saeko lay across his lap and fanned herself with her hand.

I never had schoolin' but he taught me well
With his smooth southern style
Three months later I'm a gal in trouble
And I haven't seen him for a while, uh-huh

I haven't seen him for a while, uh-huh

She was born in the wagon of a travellin' show
Her mama had to dance for the money they'd throw
Grandpa'd do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good

Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We'd hear it from the people of the town
They'd call us Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down

"Is papa gonna shoot me when he knows what I done?" Takashi asked his lover who was hugging him and smiling.

"Oh I doubt it," she said as they held each other. "I think he will be happy that I picked such a solid reliable man as my true love."

He gave her another hug and said, "I'm going to climb on top for a bit and get some air." Nodding she sat up as he opened the hatch above him.

After being on top for a minute Rei climbed up and sat beside him. They rode along for a bit before she looked over at him, "Takashi, what do you think of Patrick?"

Smiling slightly he said, "I think he's a nice guy. He seems dedicated to his work and Tomasa and Rika seem to like him. Question is what do you think of him?"

As she leaned against him he reached out and put his arm around her. Pulling her close he waited for her to respond. She sighed, "I'm falling for him, Takashi. How do you feel about that?'

"Rei if you're happy, I'm happy. I just don't want you to get hurt. We have had enough of that and don't need any more. What are you going to tell him about the problem?"

She sighed again, "I talked to Saeko about it, and she says that a man that cannot understand the limitations in our relationship is not a good man to be with. It's going to be hard, but I'm just going to tell him outright what's wrong and just see how he acts. I don't think he is just looking for sex, I think he is really interested in me and wants to know me better, as I want to know him."

Takashi nodded, "You know I'll always support you. I just want to see you happy in the end."

She looked up at him as he held her close, "Takashi? Kiss me one more time."

He smiled sadly as he leaned in and claimed her lips. It was a soft and meaningful kiss, with years of feelings behind it, and a hint of an ending. It went on for minutes, as they paid attention to each other like there was no one else in the world but them. Rei had tears running down her face when they finally broke. "I do love you Rei and I will always be here for you. Never forget that," he said.

She nodded and hugged him harder as she cried.

Neither of them noticed Patrick watching them from the rear hatch.

A/N: Hmm how is this going to be explained to the young man from Boston?

As always I want to thank my friends MarshalZhukov, jm1681 and Rassilom001 for edits and keeping my head on straight while going through a rough couple of weeks.

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