Author's Notes –
I realize that some of you may not like the ships that have sailed, and I understand that things may appear to have been rushed with Kaname/Takashi, but if you've read HSotD you'd see that given the traumatic experiences that the teens have endured they're close to breaking. If not for something interrupting them Takashi and Rei, Takashi and Shizuka, and even Takashi and Saeko could easily have set sail. Kaname's a slightly different cookie in that she's endured more than most, but she's still just a civilian and until now she's never actually lost anyone. Everyone in her class escaped the hijacking of both school trips without any injuries. The few times that she's been around people that died she has at best only a slight connection to them – until this disaster. Now she's faced the loss of nearly her entire class, plus most of the school. Those were people she saw daily.
Of the HSotD cast in this fic Rei's lost her father and boyfriend, and now Takashi's accepted that his mother is dead but he's also lost his best friend (whom he killed to prevent from coming back as a zombie). The HSotD cast has accepted that they need to kill the zombies, but they still have some reservations about it unlike Sousuke and Kurz.
I am not sorry for the direction that this fic has taken. I realize that some readers might be turned off by the lack of lemon or by certain ships, but that's how it goes sometimes.
A life of relative silence was not new to Melissa Mao as life on a para-military submarine demanded that they make a minimum of noise. After two days of near radio silence though the violet eyed veteran was glad to have visitors. Camping out in the now empty apartment complex that her subordinate resided in while the world outside was going to hell might have been fun but for the fact that she was now effectively babysitting her captain and Sousuke had few things to help pass the time. Of course the biggest problem had been Tessa as the former captain of the Tuatha de Danaan dealt with the loss of her ship and crew. The former flagship of Mithril's fleet had over a hundred crew attached when it had been abandoned and ultimately self-destructed. As the Captain, Tessa took each death to heart. She knew the names of all the crew as well as their interests, families, and friends.
'She's just too damned smart,' Melissa lamented as she watched the silver haired girl fiddling with the radio.
Tessa's intelligence went beyond her abilities and knowledge as a Whispered. The girl had worked hard to earn her rank and eventual commission. While some said that she'd only managed the token position the crew of the Tuatha de Danaan all believed in their Captain. The girl had a keen tactical mind as well as a heart larger than the ocean. She refused to give up on anyone under her command, often putting the entire ship at risk just to save a few of her crew. That was why it was hard for her to accept that all but three of her crew was dead.
The mysterious infection had spread through the confines of the submarine and before anyone had realized it over a third of the crew had died. Before their bodies could be returned to base the bodies somehow reanimated, spreading their lethal infection into others.
Commander Mardukas has ordered an evacuation and the destruction of TDD-1 but had only managed to send out SRT-2 along with the Captain and some supplies. Upon arriving in Tokyo and setting themselves up in Sousuke Sagara's apartment they had vigilantly monitored the radio for any further communication. Only Kurz's reports that he'd picked up Sousuke's signal had reached them though the sniper was now on his way back with several survivors.
It was good news, but alarming as well as they had not seen any signs of life in the city since their arrival. The same biohazard that had infested the Tuatha de Danaan had apparently been used in attacks on military bases throughout the world. Both women had seen first-hand the devastation that the biohazard could wreck amongst highly trained military personnel, but unleashed amongst the general public and its effects could be catastrophic.
Peeking out of the fifth floor apartment Melissa spotted the group of survivors as they made their way down the street. Having heard Kurz park his Arm Slave before rushing off to assist the others Melissa knew that they were close.
A glance at the unusually quiet Tessa told the veteran that the young Captain had collected herself enough to greet the survivors. Few of the other remaining residents dared to venture out of their apartments. Still, Melissa opted wait for the new survivors to reach Sousuke's apartment rather than going out to greet them.
Of the seventy units in the apartment complex twenty had been vacant waiting for the new tenants to move in. Of the remaining fifty apartments only a handful of the occupants had been around when the three survivors of the Tuatha de Danaan had arrived.
The timing of the attacks had rocked eastern Asia the worst as much of the world slept. Other nations had reported the attacks but everyday civilians had not paid attention to those reports even in cases when there was a base close to where they lived but by the end of the first day though the news media as well as the remaining police departments and government agencies had been overwhelmed.
Tense minutes passed before the violet eyed woman heard the sound of the door to the stairwell opening. Several sets of footsteps cautiously proceeded down the hallway, growing louder as they approached until finally a gentle knock rapped against the fortified door.
*It's Kurz.* Speaking in German the blond relied on his second tongue to assure the women inside that it was him. Hearing nothing he unlocked the door from the hallway.
A light blue beam of light flashed over his face, before Melissa lowered her gun.
Introductions were quickly made by the blond once the door was closed and locked again. She noted how he made reference to Melissa's past in the security field while Tessa was a friend of Sousuke's guardian. It was their standard cover-story – Melissa worked with Sousuke's guardian and benefactor, usually as security and as a companion for Tessa.
"Where's Sousuke?" Tessa asked once the introductions were complete.
"He ran interference," Kaname replied wirily.
"Sousuke will be alright," Kurz added. "He's a big boy now and he knows what he's doing. I know where he is but I can't retrieve him while it's dark out."
"He's right," Melissa seconded. "They're probably tired from the day, its best that we get some shut eye. Kurz can take the boys to look for Sousuke tomorrow."
"Once we get some food I'll take the boys down to guard the TOMCARs," the blond stated. "It's too crowded in here for all of us."
Melissa caught the slight flinch in the tall boy – Takashi was it? – and Kaname at Kurz's suggestion. Some might have found their reaction to be merely signs of stress but she knew better.
Once the boys were gone Melissa left it to Kyoko and Tessa to get the other girls settled before she managed to drag Kaname aside. Claiming that she needed a smoke and wanted some company she pulled the girl out onto the balcony.
"What's up?" she asked as she turned on Kaname. Pulling out a cigarette she lit it before offering the young woman one.
"What do you mean?" The whole answering a question with a question was merely the girl's way of deflecting.
The sound of the balcony door opening distracted Melissa and turned Kaname around as both focused on Kiriko. "I figured I'd join you for a smoke." The two women settled in, trapping Kaname. "Kaname doesn't strike me as a smoker, but a beer might loosen her up. It'll help us women bond."
Even in the fading light of the day it was clear that Kaname was blushing.
"So you're the one Takashi was screwing," the elder Miyamoto said as she handed them each a beer.
The startling revelation nearly caused Melissa to drop her cigarette. "You and him?"
Kaname slumped in defeat, leaning against the railing for support as she took the offered beer.
"I had hoped that Rei would get her act together, but it looks like she's too much of an idiot." Kiriko chugged her warm beer even as Melissa offered the woman a cigarette. "You know that she pinky-promised him that they'd get married? Guess that's not going to happen."
"Takashi said that she didn't trust him with why she got held back," Kaname muttered before taking a swig from her can. "That's why she dated Hisashi instead."
"I did say my daughter was an idiot," the woman said as she accepted the cigarette. "I don't blame you for shacking up with him. Sure, he's not going to charge headlong into a horde of zombies, but he won't leave you behind.
"The one thing I learned from my years in the gang and as a cop is that you form your strongest bonds with those you've fought with. I guess the fact that you both were the elected leaders of your little group forced you to work together. The trauma of losing his parents, having to put down his best friend and betrayer finally was too much for him to handle."
Her own past in the military proved that strong bonds could be forged and strengthened through fighting together, yet Melissa had never had a sexual relationship with a teammate just because they'd endured so much together.
"I'm sorry," there was an edge of pain in Kaname's voice. "Sousuke's a great guy, and we've worked so hard to get along this past year – we've been through so much together. But… I see now that I really never belonged in his world – in your world" she turned to Melissa. "I think if these last few days hadn't happened I might have kept overlooking the fact that he's killer – hell, I'm kind of glad that he killed that bastard, but not everyone is like that bastard. How many people has he killed before this? How much blood is on his hands?
"I hate the fact that he was willing to abandon the rest of the class just to get me out of there; that he allowed Ono D to sacrifice him and that he turned Shinji into a killer. I may accept it, but I don't want to be with a man that can do that.
"Takashi won't head into a trap willingly just because it'll save time – he won't put the group in harm's way like Sousuke has. He's a good guy, and he's gone through a lot too. I can relate to him. I can't relate to Sousuke and I've accepted that. Part of me wishes that Sousuke could be a bit more like Takashi, but I know that it will never happen."
Fighting the urge to slap the younger woman Melissa simply finished her beer. 'Do you think he wanted to grow up the way he did?' she felt like asking Kaname. 'Do you think he wanted to watch his friends die? Or that he wanted to have his friend betray their village? Do you honestly think he wanted to bury his friends?
'You're right - you're not as strong as us. We've chosen the path we're on and we accept the consequences. We accept that our friends have died and that we may have to kill others to protect the friends that we have left.'
Melissa wanted to yell at the girl on behalf of her subordinate, but she couldn't.
"If you think that Takashi won't rush headlong into a horde of zombies to help someone, you're a fool," Kiriko interjected. "I've know that boy for most of his life and I know that he's nearly as foolhardy as Sousuke. He may not have the training or experience, but he's just as stupid at times.
"I have no problem with you being with him, but you're both young, and you both need to understand the situation that you are in. I realize that the last few days were stressful for all of you, but you need to act the part of the leader and not let your emotions get the best of you. Both of were asked to lead the others so you need to consider what you're doing not only because your actions affect your relationship with Takashi, but with the others as well."
"Kiriko is right." Now was not the time to chastise the girl for reaching her breaking point. "I know you hold Sousuke in high regard, but we break just as easily as everyone else. Hell, we've already broke. It's because we've been broken that we can endure all this shit now. Trust me, you aren't the only one to break and you probably won't be the last." Rubbing her eyes and forehead she glanced at the door.
"We'll start talking to the girls," Kiriko sighed. "I haven't seen anything that suggests who the girls have gotten close to, just that those two were bumping uglies. I know that there's another couple out there, but I'm not sure who it is."
Trees were an uncommon commodity in Helmajistan so it came as no surprise that Sousuke Sagara had never expected to find himself satisfied while in a tree. It was not to say that he hadn't seen trees or even climbed them before, just that he had not thought to find himself feeling satisfied while in a tree.
Despite the spring breeze staying warm was no longer an issue for Sousuke and Saeko as they huddled together beneath the heat-reflective blanket. She continued to give off access heat even as her heart-rate and breathing had long since slowed to the point where she was now unconscious.
He wasn't sure why he felt satisfied. For starters he was laying against a tree on a 35 degree incline with the tough bark digging into his back. Add in the fact that there were at least a dozen reanimated corpses craving their flesh. Ammo was not an issue as his pack contained more than sufficient ammo to eliminate the threats but discharging his firearms would attract more zombies.
There was no way around it – they were in a tough situation. Yet for much of the night he had not even considered the presence of the zombies below or taken stock of the items in their packs to plan an escape. It was not that he had accomplished his duty and seen Kaname safely into Mithril's hands because despite his duties there was much more that he needed to do.
Being with Saeko had been different than all his other tristes with the various women of the night. On those occasions he had sought their services he'd done so because he needed a release. It had been sex pure and simple, but with Saeko it had been cathartic on many levels.
Bound to the tree so as to prevent them from falling into the waiting hands of the zombies below Sousuke had managed to get some sleep over the course of the night. As a soldier he knew the value of quality rest regardless of circumstances. Rest was often best in bed or even a chair, but there were times when sleeping in a tree, in a cave, on rocks, or buried in snow was necessary. His countless tours and missions had seen to it that he was able to rest if not sleep regardless of condition. Only a full-scale battle would prevent him from sleeping, though even then he'd managed a few minutes of down-time to recharge himself mentally. Even at rest his guard was up.
"I mean you no harm." The man's voice was familiar yet Sousuke struggled to place it.
Saeko stirred, her hands moving to undo the bindings that kept them from falling out of the tree but also restricted the couple's movements.
Straining his ears Sousuke sought to place the voice as well as to locate the speaker in the darkness of the pre-dawn night.
*I had thought you might be with Kaname,* the man said in Russian. *Though I am glad that it is not she with you – we did not part on the best of terms.*
*What are you doing here Leonard?* Sousuke demanded.
"I come in peace," the silver-haired man reiterated. "I offer my assistance in fact."
The sound of a skull being fractured emphasized his point. "All I want is to be reunited with my sister. I know that the rest of your merry band had already joined up with her, but I would like to have you vouch for me to ensure my safety."
"And why would I do that?" He could hear the sound of the Whispered man's miniaturized and pilotless Arm Slaves as they dispatched the zombies.
"Kalin says that you are an honorable man." That rattled the scarred youth. Kalin had been akin to a father figure to him and been one of Mithril's top officials in the Pacific. "He says that you will not shoot an unarmed man who is surrendering to you."
"You are willing to surrender to me?"
"Only if you ensure my safety," Leonard replied. "Once the infected are cleared out I will order my units to self-destruct – agreed?
"Agreed," Saeko replied as she locked eyes with Sousuke. "On my honor I will not allow the others to harm you as you have agreed to surrender peacefully to us."
"Agreed," Sousuke seconded.
By the time that the treed couple had managed to finish dressing the first rays of light were illuminating the sky above. It took just a bit longer for Leonard's inventions to clear the park and then self-destruct. Rather than simply exploding the two meter tall constructs sprayed a corrosive mist into the air. The combined fluids melted the metallic exterior and joints before explosions rendered the remains of the units unrecognizable and unusable.
"Given the situation that we're facing it would be best if we leave his hands unbound," Saeko suggested.
Sousuke shook his head as he pulled out a set of handcuffs.
"Did you get those in the hotel?" a slight blush turned the kendoka's normally light completion a light pink to match the faux fur of the handcuffs.
"I already surrendered to you," Leonard sighed, "but if you insist."
Again the mercenary shook his head, this time as he put the cuffs back into his pack. The Glock he pulled out was one of his reserve weapons.
"You could at least introduce us," The silver-haired man smirked as he accepted the gun from the mercenary. The way he handled the weapon it was clear that he knew how to use it.
"Saeko Buujima, this is Leonard Testarossa." The begrudging introductions held a hint of tension.
"You've found yourself a real beauty," Leonard stated as he offered the violet haired girl a polite bow. "I must say, I am relieved that you are no longer in the picture where Kaname is concerned."
Sousuke eyed the other man.
"I know that she has feelings for you," he admitted as the trio cleared the park. "Ultimately it appears as though her feelings were that of a friend or perhaps sibling and not the romantic sort."
The road was clear though the remaining corpses suggested that this was the path that Leonard and his miniature Arm Slaves had come.
"It seems that she just needed to sort out what she really felt about you," Leonard added. "As young and pure as she is I doubt that she has yet to feel that close to any boy and when you came along she might have simply mistook how she was feeling for love rather than just sibling love."
Sousuke fought the urge to simply shoot the elder Testarossa as his psycho-babble soured the atmosphere even worse than the end of the world.
"Busujima strikes me as a cultured woman," Leonard remarked as he watched the kendoka decapitate a pair of zombies. "Yet she has embraced her violent side – no wonder the two of you fit together. Had civilization not collapsed and she a few years in the military she might have joined the Mithirl."
"Is that the name of the para-military group that Sousuke and Kurz are part of?" the keen kendoka asked.
"See?" Leonard shot a zombie in the head.
"And you're not just a useless intellectual," she shot back.
"I did not achieve my rank in Amalgam based on my intelligence only," he smirked.
"Another para-military group?" she asked. "So there are two opposing groups each named after a mythological metal."
"There were," Leonard replied. "Though we employed other methods to shape the world with the technology that we developed our recruiting pool was limited. Unfortunately some took things a bit too far."
Sousuke gunned down a pair of infected, clearing the street before signaling for the others to follow.
"Gauron's grudge with you went too far," Leonard stated. "Then again, you nearly killed him twice before finally succeeding the third time."
"It's hard to imagine that Sousuke had left someone alive if he had truly wanted him dead," Saeko remarked. "I've seen how capable he is as a warrior, so the man whom he failed to kill twice must have been remarkable."
Leonard chuckled at the assessment. "He was. Of course he had extremely loyal subordinates that were willing to follow his instructions even after the man had finally been killed. It is because of him that the world has gone to hell."
Sagara felt a tingling in his spine.
"That Whispered girl you saved in Russia, she was the key."
Saeko paused, "Whispered?"
"People like myself and my sister as well as Kaname," Leonard explained. "People gifted with extreme intelligence and insight into technology and science. That's why I was able to design a miniature Arm Slave that needs no pilot – of course I designed the A.I. for them as well, just as Tessa designed Dana and her A.I.
"As intelligent as we each are, we seem to have different specialties. Olga's was virology and bio-chemistry. She helped the Russians design a cure for cancer and then turned it into this" he shot a zombie. "I am still unsure how Gauron managed it, but he put his people into place before your encounter in the Helmajistan."
"That's why you want me to take you to Tessa and Kaname," Sousuke surmised. "You need other Whispered to fix what Gauron broke."
Leonard shook his head, "I told you, the world is broken. I want to join up with you because I stand a better chance of surviving with your group. Amalgam is gone, as is Mithril – why not pool our remaining resources so that we all stand a better chance of surviving."
"So It can't be fixed?" Saeko speculated.
The silver haired boy shrugged. "Give me your machete."
Little else was said the rest of the way to Sousuke's apartment as the trio resorted to simple hand signals to limit making any noise. Only the sound of their respective blades cutting down the handful of infected that they could not avoid.
"This is Sagara," the mercenary said into his walkie talkie once they were within sight of his apartment complex.
"Hey Sagara," Kurz's voice returned. "I see you're finally getting around to coming home.
"Saeko, Sousuke didn't corrupt you, did he?"
The kendoka was nonplussed by the blonde's playful banter, "We've got company." Despite the quality of the walkie talkie her tone was clear.
"It's Leonard," Sousuke stated. "He surrendered to us."
Silence accompanied the trio as they neared the apartment complex. He knew that the others were discussing their options. There would be an armed reception to say the least.
With the way clear Sousuke motioned for Saeko to take Leonard's weapons before cuffing him with the furry cuffs. "What are they going to do with him?"
"They're likely to interrogate me," Leonard stated as he tried to hide his amusement. "Siblings or not, our ideologies were backed by opposite sides."