Disclaimer: I don't own High school of the Dead, Prototype along with any other references made.
Beta reader Phoenix Helix
Chapter five-Dark Secrets of the Past
(Airport)
Sitting down on a sofa was a young woman with purple hair and red eyes. She sighed in tiredness.
'Damn, I hate losing Tajima like that,' thought Rika while getting out a cigarette.
*Ring*
Rika stiffened at hearing her cellphone ringing.
"Who is calling me?" she muttered while answering it.
"Hello."
"Rika-chan, thank kami I got you!" exclaimed a female voice.
"Shizuka is that you!" Rika exclaimed while sitting up in joy.
"Yes, I'm glad to hear you. But I've got some very bad news," replied Shizuka serious.
"Oh what is very bad news? We already have the dead trying to eat us," said Rika with a raised eyebrow.
"There's a group of um…people up to something," Shizuka said reserved.
"Huh?"
"I know it's going to sound stupid, but hear me out," Shizuka pleaded to her friend.
"Okay shot," said Rika simply.
Shizuka started to explain the fight between Kohta and the brawlers. She even mentioned the Blacklight virus.
"Seriously, there's a virus that can change things like that. Well it wouldn't be too farfetched," replied Rika.
"I know…oh sorry. I forgot, I'm been using the correct name for the virus," Shizuka replied in realization.
"What are you going on about now?" asked Rika.
"You see Blacklight is actually the name for the Mercer virus," stated Shizuka.
Rika almost dropped her phone in shock. She knows about that virus, at least the rumors behind it.
"It's that virus!" Rika screamed in shock.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm not sure about this group called the evolved, but they know about the cause of 'them'. They also seem very intent on using the Blacklight for something bad. I don't know there plans, but-"
"Ow," muttered Rika in pain, her cellphone give of a loud screech.
She looked confused at being cut off. She looked to around to see various electrons also shorting out.
"Damn," she growled in realization.
That was an EMP attack just now.
"We have a problem!" exclaimed a male SAT member running in.
"You bet, the world's going to get darker now," replied Rika while lighting and smoking her cigarette.
"Oh you know about the bases being attacked," replied the man confused.
"Bases being attacked?" asked Rika while her eyes widened in shock.
"Well yes, but we're not sure," he answered. "One of them said a young woman was destroying tanks with her hands."
In the way he said it, he also didn't believe it. But Rika growled while getting up.
"Boss?" he asked Rika.
"Can you tell me where those attacks were?" she ordered.
"We're not sure, they seemed to be around Tokonosu City, at least the bases near there," he answered while scratching his head.
"Damn, my friend is in the middle of that. Also, from what she said there is a group trying to use the Mercer virus," said Rika getting together her equipment.
At hearing this, the man looked scared.
"The virus used in Manhattan?" he asked scared.
"Yes, the same one that Mercer Alex used. Someone has it and they aren't afraid to use it," replied Rika with steel.
"Oh shit! I've heard rumors about that thing. But that was in America, how in hell did it get here?!" asked the subordinate.
"I don't know, but we need to get off this island! We have to warn other bases or something! The Mercer virus is no joke. It might even be more dangerous than what those corpses are carrying," said Rika while walking out the room.
*CRASH*
The two SAT members looked lost at hearing the noise. They looked to see a large boat crashing into the island. It seemed to be a transport ship.
"Who in the hell would want to get here? Almost all the planes are…oh shit!" exclaimed the man at seeing something coming out of it.
It looked like 'them', but at the same didn't. Some of them had blades, but then it showed up.
*ROAR*
"Fuck me sideways! What in the hell is that?!" yelled the man in fear at seeing a brawler.
"That's what Shizuka told me," Rika muttered in disbelieve at seeing the monster.
"You know what that thing is?!" the SAT asked Rika in shock.
"No! But I bet it isn't friendly!" replied Rika while readying her gun for action.
Her subordinate also readied his weapon. They could now see other SAT members coming to the site with their weapons ready.
However two human-like persons hopped off the boat. They landed in front of the small army.
"Did Pariah-sama say to spare them?" asked one of persons.
"No, he just wants the airport. So let's go wild," replied his partner in dark glee while changing his arm.
"Okay, you heard him. Kill them all!" ordered the other one while changing his arms in swords.
The infected creature charged at the humans. The walkers were slow, but the brawler already had killed two of the humans.
Off to their side, SAT members started to shot at walkers. Some of them took aim at the evolved.
"Sorry, but you have to do better with us," muttered the one with the changed arm.
It looked it had a hole at palm with spikes on it. He pointed it at the group. He shot a little pellet at one of SAT members.
"What?" asked the man looking at the pellet that landed on him.
Suddenly, he screamed in pain. The pellet was growing vines that reached out and grabbed everything close to the man. The vines flew right back at spot. A geyser of blood came from this, from all of the victims caught in it.
"What in hell did he do?!" exclaimed a SAT member close to Rika.
Even Rika could only stand shocked at such a power. She however, growled and looked around.
They were being over whelmed.
"Do we any heavy weapons? Like an RPG, grenades, even a damn flamethrower," she asked while shooting at the Brawler.
It seemed to impervious to her shots.
"We don't have them! We were only given riles, we weren't expecting a damn monster from hell," replied the man with frustration.
He kept shooting at walkers. Even though they were going down, there were just too many.
Rika grunted. "We have no choice. Retreat everyone!" she ordered to the group.
"What, but why?" asked the man confused.
"We're outmatched! If we stay and fight, we'll only die, and I'm not ready for that," Rika answered while moving backwards.
"Your right, everyone let's get out of here," he ordered to anyone who was left.
They also started to back away while covering each other.
"Oh, they have a smart commander," replied one evolved, after killing one the SAT members.
Luckily for the SAT, they found a boat that could carry them.
"Everyone get in! I don't care that we have to row, it's better than staying here!" Rika ordered the group.
They hopped in and tried to use the motor. Sadly it didn't work, but they found oars to use.
"Start rowing!" exclaimed one of the SAT while using one to oars.
They cursed at seeing the Brawler coming at them.
"Damn, that thing is a persistent bastard," muttered Rika shooting at it.
Whether to luck or from too many shots, the Brawler fell down dead. Rika sighed in relief, but also get an oar.
They kept rowing toward the city. The evolved watched this.
"Darn, I was hoping they would stay," said the one with the changed arm.
"Don't be upset. I swear you and Bokuden are too bloodthirsty," replied the other.
"We can't help it. We have the power to kick ass, so why not use," he replied with a shrug.
"Alright, let's get to work. We have to make sure everything is in order. Pariah-sama wants to know if there any planes that are useful," stated the first evolved firmly.
"Okay, okay don't blow a vein. I'll get started," said the other one with wave while walking to the hangers.
The other evolved sighed while following his co-worker.
As for the SAT members, they kept rowing.
"What in the hell were those guys?! I never seen anything like that…well expect from video games and manga," said one of the members.
"I'm sure they have something to do with the Mercer virus," answered Rika.
Her group looked shocked at the statement.
"The Mercer virus, oh that's just great! Now have a bunch of bio-terrorist running around with something that makes all other virus look tame!" exclaimed a SAT member in frustration.
There were even mutters of agreement. They kept rowing toward the mainland. After a few minutes they landed.
"Great, everyone let's get off. But keep watch, we might not be alone," ordered Rika to everyone.
They give off there reply and hopped off the boat.
Each one got off the boat and look around; there wasn't a site of anybody.
"Clear, ammo check," Rika ordered.
The group checked there ammo and weapons. They were running low on it.
"Not good and with no transportation. We're going to hoof it," Rika stated their options.
Rika thought about what to do. Obviously, they need to get somewhere safe, but what about her friend.
'I have a feeling that Shizuka is going to get more information about Blacklight. That name is too close to that unit called Blackwatch. This doesn't sit well with me,' thought Rika with a hum.
She nodded at a plan.
"We're spiting up," Rika ordered while looking at the group.
They waited for her orders.
"I'm going to look for my friend. While the rest of you find a base or someone who can help spread the warning. But be careful we have those corpses and those monsters to worry about. That's not including people who have gone insane," Rika explained.
"Why do you want to find your friend?" a SAT member asked.
"I'm worried about her and this is a hunch. But she might have more information about the Mercer virus," replied Rika.
"What makes you say that?"
"She knows the name of the virus, which is Blacklight. Also, she found out this group calling themselves the evolved were planning something. From what we heard, it was the same group attacking various bases when that EMP hit," said Rika.
They nodded at this. It's a long shot, but worth a try.
"Okay, but let some of us come with you," replied a SAT member.
"Thanks," replied Rika with a nod.
They planned who was going to where. With that done, they each left on their own routes.
'Please be safe Shizuka. I'm coming for you,' thought Rika while walking off.
(With Shizuka)
Currently the blond nurse was walking softy with her group. Takashi and Saeko took the ATV, since it was making too much noise.
Kazuyoshi, Toshimi were in the front. Shizuka, Alice and Saya were in the middle with Rei in the back.
Interesting enough Saya was carrying a folder; it was the one that Saeko had.
"I wonder is up with this thing?" muttered Saya. "It's strange on how Busujima wanted Hirano to see it."
She couldn't shake the feeling like it was like opening Pandora's Box.
"How do we know that Hirano will find us?" asked Rei tightly.
It would seem that Rei still didn't trust the otaku.
"He can…probably," replied Toshimi sheepishly.
"How do you know? For all we know, he left us for that group," replied Rei with a huff.
Toshimi almost glared at the girl.
"Will you stop that?! What is up with you and Hirano-san anyway?" Toshimi asked the orange-haired girl, about ready to glare at the teen.
Rei glared at Toshimi and replied. "I'm suspicious of him. He still isn't human and the way he acts."
"That's still no reason to isolate him!" Toshimi shot back. "Name one person could take that and be sane?"
Rei only kept quiet at the question.
"I'm right, and Hirano-san isn't the only one fighting for their sanely. Trust me on that," Toshimi stated firmly.
Everyone else became worried at the two's argument. But at the same time, this was only natural. With what Kohta has become, there would only be different opinions about him.
"Okay, you've made your point," Rei said. "But how can you be so sure he will fin-"
*BOOOM*
That noise stopped Rei from talking. Everyone looked to see a dust cloud formed close to them. They also took positions to fight the thing that landed there.
"Oh man, I still need to work on my landings!" exclaimed a male voice with a cough.
Both Toshimi and Alice smiled at the voice.
"Onii-chan is back!" Alice exclaimed in joy.
It was indeed Kohta remerging from the cloud. There were some looks of surprise at seeing his new look.
"Where did you get those clothes?" Rei asked the otaku suspiciously.
Kohta glared at Rei and answered. "I made them myself."
"You made them yourself," replied Rei with a raised eyebrow.
Kohta only nodded while walking toward the group.
"How is that possible?" asked a curious Saya.
"I don't know, but for some reason. I'm able to do it," answered Kohta with a shrug.
"Maybe, this will answer it," muttered Saya looking at the folder.
"I'm glad to see Hirano-san is okay, but we need to move. We might have company soon," Kazuyoshi said to everyone present.
That made them nod in agreement. They continued there trek with Kohta taking point with his borrowed guns.
Later they found a shopping mall, turned into a refuge for survivors. They were able to get into it and talked to the one in charge of the place, a rookie police officer by the name of Nakaoka Asami.
Lucky for them, they were able to hide the guns they had. They were gathered around a table in the food court, alone.
"Now let's see what's in this thing," said Saya about to open the folder given to her.
She filled Kohta in about it. He only waited to see what it contained.
Shizuka said the symbol on it looked like Genteks.
This brought shivers down there at spines hearing this.
Saya begin to read, "This is a detailed report on the findings of the variant DX-1118 C, name Blacklight. The Blacklight virus was made from the results of the Hope, Idaho experiment. Even though it didn't result in the expected outcome, it led to this new…virus, oh Kami!"
Saya stopped reading that part and looked in the folder franticly, she need to confirm what she thought.
Some of her group looked a little lost, but Kazuyoshi's mouth thinned at this information.
Saya found what she wanted, but felt sick to her stomach.
"Those sick, twisted, bas-men! They made this thing! And the bad part is…they used a whole town to do it!" exclaimed Saya while slamming her fist on the table.
After hearing this, the group looked shocked.
"You mean Gentek made the Blacklight virus!" exclaimed Shizuki while covering her mouth.
Saya only nodded.
"But how, I mean Mercer was the one who had it and used it!" replied Rei this time.
Saya looked Rei and replied, "Right, but where did he get the damn thing! That was never answered. So they covered that little bit of information to save there hides. Mercer could have worked for them, or he was looking into their actives. We've been blinded by those bakas!"
"Why did they use this Hope, Idaho? I mean, why use a whole town to make a virus?" asked a shaky Kohta.
"What was indented was a virus that would only attack a certain group of people. Like they only wanted to only kill Chinese or Mexicans. Hope was a military town so it was the perfect place to do it. But instead, something else was made," Saya answered with rage.
"Damn," muttered Kohta feeling sick.
He wasn't the only one.
"So the rumors were true," muttered Shizuka.
"What rumors Shizuka-sensei?" asked Toshimi trying not to throw up.
"That Blackwatch-Gentek's own army, were making things worse. If this information is correct, then they were observing there virus in action," Shizuka answered tightly with clenched fists.
"This, this is insane!" exclaimed Kohta with a hand on his forehead.
"Your right, this is insane. They were insane for doing this in the first place," muttered Saya with a growl.
"Why did they use it on that town?" asked a shaky Alice.
Everyone looked at the young girl and gulped. This shouldn't be heard by a young kid.
"I'm sorry Alice-chan, but we have no answer. There are some people who do very bad things," said Toshimi softly while kneeing before the young girl.
"Like with my daddy," muttered Alice with her head down.
Toshimi nodded and hugged the girl. "Yes, I'm afraid. Why don't you go over there and play with Zeke."
Toshimi pointed to a spot that far enough to not hear them but close enough to them.
"Okay," Alice muttered while taking the puppy with her.
"We should have been careful," said Toshimi sadly.
The rest of her group nodded in agreement.
"I know it tuff to shallow, but Takagi-san please continued," said Kazuyoshi softly.
Saya only nodded and when back to reading.
They learned about the various infected creatures made during the outbreaks. The Hunters, Brawlers, Juggernauts, Hydras and something called Runners.
There were mentions of a Zeus in them, which confused them.
"Who is this Zeus?" asked Shizuka.
"I don't know, but whoever he is. He is important to Gentek," answered Saya about to turn a page.
When she turned the page, it shocked everyone.
This had pictures of a young man in gray hooded jacket and blue jeans. You could barely see his face because of the hood. In the other pics his arms were different. They had claws, a blade, a whipfist and giant fists.
"That's Mercer!" exclaimed Rei at this.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"He's Zeus, but how?" asked Kohta.
Saya read out loud. "Alex L Mercer, code name Zeus. He is the first prototype to be born, when at first he was thought to be a runner. However, this was proven to be incorrect from data collected from Heller. Zeus was born from Mercer's body by the bullet holes made when killed by Blackwatch.
Mercer found the origins of the Blacklight virus that he was working on and didn't agree with it. He had taken a sample of the virus with him and unleashed at it Penn Station which led to the first outbreak. His body was collected to be studied, but he awaked with no memory. So he was named Zeus.
Zeus has proven to be a very dangerous entity. His power to adapt, along with to form metal-like weapon arms and consume biomass, he uses to disguise himself to look like his victims. It also noted he takes there memories, which is a huge security risk."
Saya kept reading about the bio-terrorist, which led to more truths being uncovered.
"I don't believe it!" exclaimed Rei. "Blackwatch was going to bomb Manhattan and Mercer stopped it!"
"This makes sense," replied Kazuyoshi firmly.
They looked at the young man for an answer.
"Think about it. There was a nuclear warhead used there with no markings. So Gentek wanted no evidence that they were the ones using it. It would have also covered their tracks, along with killing the virus," answered the young man tightly.
"They're insane bastards," muttered Kohta at that logic.
"Than…what about the second outbreak?" asked a curious Shizuka.
"I'll find out," answered Saya reading some more.
From the report, it was Mercer who unleashed it again.
"He was responsible for both outbreaks," muttered Kohta tightly.
"To be precise, the human Mercer was responsible for the first one. But the Blacklight virus was the one who unleashed the second one. However, what happened to him to do it?" replied Saya.
"Your right, sadly we may never know," said Kazuyoshi.
"Who is the Heller they mentioned?" asked Rei.
Saya looked at another page to see an African American in a jacket and pants. He had short hair and seemed very fit.
"James Heller, a former sergeant of the US Marines. He was the second prototype to be made," Saya read the file.
She continued to read about the prototype. How he lost his family during the second outbreak and his fixation on Mercer. Also on his fight with Blackwatch and with Mercer's evolved.
"So Mercer was the one who made the evolved in the first place," muttered Kohta.
"It would seem, but how? From this report all of them were killed by Heller and Mercer. Unless, someone knows a way to do it," replied Saya tightly.
"That's one question I would like to have answered," said Kazuyoshi.
"Wait there might be a clue," said Saya looking though the files.
She looked over thing to see an entry.
"This might be it," said the pigtailed girl while pointing at it.
Everyone looked at it. It said there were two people recover from Hope, Idaho, an Elizabeth Green and an infant boy.
"An infant boy was found in that place. Why would, such a thing would be found there…unless," muttered Kazuyoshi rubbing his chin.
"Right, that's her child," Saya answered the question.
"She had a child in that…hell!" exclaimed Shizuka in shock.
Saya nodded and said. "It's the only thing that makes sense, if she was the only survivor of that virus and pregnant at the time. Her child might have lived or been changed to survive it."
"Is there any more information about him?" asked Kohta.
Saya shook her head. "No, only about a project Crusade that's above top secret."
"So he might be this Pariah that the new evolved are talking about," replied Kazuyoshi thoughtfully.
"This is beyond insane," muttered Rei feeling sick.
"What is?" asked Kohta. "The fact we have the dead coming back to life or the fact some super bio-weapon is running lose in Japan."
Rei glared at the otaku. "I'm talking about both, baka!"
Kohta returned the glare.
"I'm only asking."
"Well you got your answer!" Rei shot back with a glare.
"You don't have to yell!" Kohta replied tightly.
Rei didn't back down, she even growled. It even looked like she wanted her weapon.
The rest of their group looked worried at the event unfolding. Kohta arms started to shift in anger.
'Not good! He is on edge and Rei isn't helping!' thought Saya in fear.
"Um…why don't we see if we locate Komuro?" asked a shaky Toshimi.
Everyone looked at young woman in confusion. Causing the girl to sweat dropped.
"You see, Komuro is still out there with Busujima. So maybe Hirano-san can find him and we might signal him to get here," answered a nervous Toshimi.
"I guess so, I can locate him. But we'll be careful, 'them' are all over the place," replied a much calmer Kohta.
"Great! I'll help you, so let's get cracking!" exclaimed Toshimi with a smile.
Kohta only nodded. The two left the rest, going toward the roof.
"Are you trying to make him snap?" asked Saya tightly at Rei.
Rei looked Saya and replied, "I'm not! I don't trust him!"
Saya glared at Rei's sharp reply. "Okay, but don't be picking a fight with every few minutes! He is desperately fighting an internal battle, one with very grave consequences if we're not careful."
Rei huffed, but was curious about the reply.
"What are talking about?" asked Shizuka with a tilted head.
Saya sighed. "What I mean is that Hirano might be a prototype like Mercer and Heller. Based on what this file says, these prototypes are very powerful. They adapt, disguise themselves, even form weapons from there biomass! Hirano might even surpass those evolved in no time! He could eat them and gain there power. We're talking about a new life form with no limits!
"Which leaves us in a very bad situation, the worst part is. There is no telling what this Pariah can do! He could be as strong as Mercer or Heller. Or worse, stronger then both of them! Think about the damage those two did alone," Saya shot back with a glare.
This made Shizuki and Rei very scared. From the reports from that folder, they caused so much destruction.
"I'm with Saya-san. We need to be careful with Hirano-san. He has already shown incredible power and that's probably the beginning," said Kazuyoshi with a hand on his forehead.
Rei could only keep quiet at the statement, but didn't know what to do. She couldn't trust the otaku. That happened with Shiro and looked at what happened.
'I wouldn't provoke him, but at the first sign of trouble. I'm going for his head,' thought Rei firmly.
(On the rooftop)
Toshimi was looking all-round the place and sighed. "Darn it, there everywhere."
Kohta nodded in agreement. The horde of dead was everywhere, but he didn't feel any fear.
'It must be that I know that they are no problem to me. I can kill them faster than using a gun and I run away very easily,' thought Kohta at remembering what he did at the Takagi's mansion. They were so easy for him to kill or run away beyond any person.
"Hirano-san, any luck finding Komuro-san?" asked a reserved Toshimi that snapped Kohta out of his thoughts.
"Give a second," answered the otaku.
He thought about their missing teammate and like before. The world turned orange. Kohta looked around to see a spot to far off.
"He seems to right over there," Kohta said while pointing at the spot.
Toshimi looked at spot with binoculars she gotten from one the malls stores.
"I can't see him…wait I think that's him," replied Toshimi at her findings.
Kohta send another hunter pulse, this one was closer.
"He must be walking toward us," reported Kohta.
"That's good," muttered Toshimi in relief.
"You're worried about Komuro?" asked Kohta calmly.
Toshimi looked at Kohta. Even though he said it calmly, there was a hint of something in his voice.
"Yes, but I'm also worried about Saeko-chan. She is with him," Toshimi replied.
"I'm sure there fine," Kohta said quietly.
Toshimi became concerned at this. It would seem the otaku was confused at finding origins of the Blacklight virus, even about what ready happened with Mercer.
Kohta only looked toward the city that held the walking dead and the evolved. It felt like…he didn't belong anywhere.
"Hirano-san, are you thinking about leaving?" Toshimi asked softly.
"I…don't know. I'm no longer a human," Kohta answered reserved.
"But still, we need your help," Toshimi replied.
"My help, or just my abilities Intel your done with me," Kohta replied tightly while looking at the pigtailed girl.
Toshimi was a bit put off at the look, but answered, "It's not like that; you're part of our group. Every one of us helps each other. You're no different."
Kohta calmed down at what Toshimi said.
"I'm sorry, it just things are so…confusing right now," Kohta apologized with a hand on his face.
"Apology expected and your right. The world has gone upside down with no way of telling when it will be right side up," said Toshimi with sigh.
Kohta smiled sadly at statement.
It was then Toshimi saw a person.
"You see someone?" Kohta asked the pigtailed girl.
"I think so, let me see," answered Toshimi looking at the spot with the binoculars.
After a quick peek, she exclaimed, "It's them! They made it!"
Kohta looked to see it was indeed there missing comrades.
They were able to signal them to the mall.
(Later)
"Damn," Takashi growled at being told about the Blacklight virus.
Even Saeko looked mad. She was gripping her katana, almost breaking her gloves.
They were with Saya alone talking about the findings. As for the rest of their group, they were elsewhere.
"I didn't know that folder held that kind of information," muttered Saeko trying to keep calm. She only saw the part that had the brawler.
"Is Hirano a…prototype like Mercer and Heller?" asked Takashi.
"We don't know," answered Saya. "There is no way of telling, but if he is one. Hirano will have those two abilities."
"Your right Saya, we just have to wait and see. I have a feeling we will find out later," said Saeko.
Saya nodded; there might be chance that will spring up during their journey.
"Stop!" screamed a female voice.
The trio of teens stiffened at hearing Shizuki's voice.
"That was Marikawa-sensei!" exclaimed Saeko running toward the nurse.
Takashi and Saya followed her, wanting to know what was going on. They found Shizuka in trouble.
A man in dark jacket with blue pants was trying to rape the nurse.
"Please stop," whimpered Shizuka at the man.
"Oh no, you were laying down on this. Crying out for a little fun," replied Shimada still moving toward the nurse.
"I was only tried," answered a sheepish Shizuki.
Shimada only kept moving toward the nurse while raising a knife.
"That's enough!" ordered Asami with her gun. It was the gun that Kohta give to her during her meeting.
Shimada looked at the police officer and froze. Asami was holding a gun, but relaxed at seeing Asami's gun shaking.
"You can't do it," said a smirking Shimada.
"I will shot you," said Asami with shaky tone.
"Then do it," Shimada stated firmly.
Asami couldn't do it; she only held the gun shaky.
"I thought so, time for m-ouch! That hurts!" Shimada screamed in pain. He looked at his hand that held his knife. It was nicked by another knife, but it was throwing one.
Kazuyoshi was the one who thrown it.
"Why you bastard," muttered enraged Shimada.
As for Shizuki, she slowly backed away from her attacker.
As for the man, he felt a wire wrap around his neck. Desperately, he tried to get it off.
"That's no good," said Kohta. "It's already in there so it will only dig deeper into your neck."
He was tempted to use his claws, but stopped. He didn't want to show them his abilities, just yet. Thankfully, Kazuyoshi helped with his throwing ability.
"Are you going to follow the nice police officer or die right now," Kohta stated firmly.
Shimada shaky nodded his answer while dropping his knife.
Kohta let go of the man. Who started to take deep breaths.
Takashi went behind Shimada and restrained him. Shizuki was helped by Kazuyoshi, which she thanked him for.
The nurse looked at wound on Shimada's hand. Shakily, she went over to bandage it.
"Man, what a time for this to happen," muttered Saya disgusted at the scene.
Toshimi nodded in agreement with Saya. Alice was being held by Toshimi.
"That was so brave of him, Kohta-san," muttered Asami dreamily.
Saya looked shocked at seeing the police officers mutter. She even became more shocked at seeing Toshimi's glare at the smaller woman.
'Oh great, we have a standoff for Hirano. I don't know what to think,' thought Saya with a sweat drop. She wasn't attracted to otaku; there was the part where she abandoned him. Hirano hadn't said anything about it, but he might be weary of her.
She was in the same boat, but not as Rei's degree. There was no telling what Hirano would do with his new found power. He really was a new life form.
'This just keeps getting more and more problematic,' thought Saya with sigh.
Saya looked over to Shizuki being comforted by Kazuyoshi. Another sigh came from the meganekko.
'Looks like, another wonderful love story is in the air. Well this one might not be so bad, we have to think about repopulating sooner or later,' thought Saya with a hum, hopefully this one is from mutual agreement.
Saya give herself a look over and huffed. She still was wearing the same dress from the mansion. Saya started to walk away.
"Takagi-san, where are you going?" asked a curious Toshimi.
"I'm going to go change," Saya answered still walking toward the clothing section.
Toshimi looked herself, her clothes were still good, but.
"What for me," Toshimi called out to Saya.
Saya only waved in response.
The two teens walked onward to the clothing section of the mall.
"What are you up to?" asked Alice catching up to the older girls.
"We're getting a change of clothes," Saya answered simply.
"Can I get something also?" asked Alice.
"Why not, we might get you something," replied Saya with smile.
Even Toshimi smiled at Alice's request.
"Sure thing, let's go shopping," replied Toshimi.
"Yippee!" exclaimed Alice with a jump.
The trio of girls walked toward the clothing section. They started picking out there new clothes.
"This should do it," muttered Saya with a nod at picking out some clothes.
Toshimi found a few choices for herself. Even Alice found a new outfit for moving around.
"It's okay for me to get those?" Alice muttered while pointing to a part of the mall.
Toshimi looked at spot and oohed. It was the underwear department of the mall.
"Okay," Toshimi replied quietly to girl.
Alice smiled with a nod and went over to make her choices.
"Why not," muttered the pigtailed girl with a hand on her chin. There was no telling when they would be able to change clothes.
Toshimi also went to the adult underwear section for herself.
"Hey, what are you up to?" asked a curious Saya.
"Underwear shopping," answered Toshimi softly.
Saya nodded in understanding. She also might need a new pair.
As for their youngest member, she already found her own clothes. She ran into a changing room.
As for the older girls, they also found a change of clothes.
Saya went into a room to change. She striped off her dress, leaving her only in her blue and white stripped underwear.
She even took those off and dressed in the underwear she picked. This pair was a little plain. They were pinkish sports bra and panty.
"This should be good. Perfect for running," muttered Saya at looking it over.
The meganekko dressed in the clothes she brought. It was a short green t-shirt with tight green shorts. She even wearied suspenders.
"Not too shabby," said Saya. This outfit was a little skimpy, but aloud more movement.
As for Toshimi, she already took off her clothes. She still had the same yellow underwear on. That was taken off soon after. Toshimi started to dress in underwear she picked. That was deep blue sport type.
"Not too bad," muttered the pigtailed girl at the site.
"Wow, you're so big Toshimi-chan," a voice said in awe.
Toshimi stiffened and tried to cover up while looking to see who it was.
"Alice! Don't scare me like that!" she exclaimed to the little girl.
Alice smiled sheepishly while walking into the changing. She changed her clothes from a skirt to jeans. There was even black t-shirt under her bigger checkered shirt.
"Sorry," Alice apologized.
Toshimi smiled back the girl and went back to changing clothes. They were the same as before, but a little looser with better shoes.
As for Alice, she seemed nervous about something.
"Toshimi-chan," Alice said to the teen's attention.
Toshimi looked at Alice.
"Is…Kohta-oiisan going to be okay?" Alice asked softly.
Toshimi was a bit put off by the question, but not surprised. The young girl was very perceptive.
"I'm afraid there is no easy answer for that question," Toshimi answered sadly.
Alice looked down and muttered, "Why?"
"He feels like a…outcast and to certain extent he is," answered Toshimi.
"Is it because of him being sick?" Alice asked again.
"Yes, but not sick in the traditional way," replied Toshimi.
"I wish we could cure him," Alice muttered.
"Maybe we will, for now. Let's focuses on what to do next," Toshimi said with a smile.
Alice nodded. The two walked out of the dressing to meet up with Saya.
They found Takashi nearby; they started talking about their next move, with Saya trying to keep Alice out and failing.
(On the rooftop)
Kohta looked over the place, trying to possible escape routes for his group. Strangely, it seemed there wasn't many as before.
'How ironic, I'm strong enough not to worry about 'them'. I wonder if this is how those evolved feel,' thought otaku with a hum.
The otaku heard a door opening; curiously he looked to see Asami.
"Hello," Kohta greeted the officer.
Asami walked toward Kohta and sat down by him.
"Thank you for stopping that man," Asami said softly.
"You're welcome," replied a sheepish Kohta.
Asami smiled at the reply.
"You didn't do too bad yourself," Kohta commented.
"Maybe, but…I was useless!" exclaimed Asami suddenly hugging Kohta.
Kohta felt his heart go into his throat at the sudden hug.
As for the police officer, she only cried her heart out.
"I wanted to do something, but I couldn't," muttered Asami softly.
Shakily, Kohta embraced the young woman. That seemed to be helping her.
"Thank you," replied Asami breaking the embrace.
Kohta only nodded with blush.
"It's just without Matsushima-sempai here, I'm a mess," said Asami.
"Who is that?" asked a curious Kohta.
"She was the one who organized everything here. Matsushima-sempai left to get some help. We've also heard about strange attacks before our radios died," answered Asami.
"Strange attacks?" asked Kohta. Even though he might know what she was talking about.
"On our radios there various attacks accruing. We couldn't make sense of them," answered Asami.
'So, anyone who had a radio before the EMP attack heard the evolved's attack,' thought Kohta.
"You think that Matsushima will return soon?" asked Kohta.
"I'm sure she will! She is a veteran police officer with outstanding performance," Asami replied with convention.
"That's great," replied a smiling Kohta.
"Still," muttered Asami. "You were pretty brave back there, Kohta-san."
Kohta felt his face redding at Asami's tone.
"I didn't do it alone. I had help," replied the otaku with a wave.
"You're modest," Asami replied while moving closer to the otaku.
Kohta only rubbed the back of his head.
"Do you have a…girlfriend Kohta-san?" Asami muttered softly.
"What!" Kohta replied shocked at the question.
"I was only wondering. You seem like you have one," muttered Asami while tapping both of index fingers together.
"I don't…have one," answered an unsure Kohta. He wasn't sure how the older woman would react how he looked before or the fact he isn't human.
Asami looked at Kohta with blush about to talk more, but stopped herself.
"Why do you ask?" asked Kohta trying to break the silence.
"I'm curious is all? I thought with your looks and bravery. You would have one," answered Asami nervously.
Kohta slumped a bit at the answer. She didn't know what he really looked before being infected with the Blacklight virus.
"Did I say something wrong?" asked a confused Asami.
"Huh? Oh no you didn't, I've had a…makeover very recently. So I'm a little sensitive about my looks," replied Kohta with waving hands.
Asami raised an eyebrow at the reply, but could understand. She had tried a makeover herself and had a failing out of it.
"What about you Asami-san?" asked Kohta.
Asami sighed in sadness, "I did have one, but…"
Kohta stayed quiet to let her speak.
"He dumped me while I failed at being a police officer. I worked so hard, but it wasn't enough. I wanted to be a good police officer, so why?" muttered a frustrated Asami about ready to cry.
Kohta felt a bit of rage at casualty of Asami's boyfriend. The smaller woman tried her hardest to be a police officer.
"I'm glad you're here Kohta-san," muttered Asami softly with a smile.
"You're welcome," muttered an unsure Kohta. He didn't know how she would react to him not being a human. Even his own group had there doubts about him.
"We have a problem!" yelled a male voice coming from the roof's entrance.
The two looked to see a young man there. His head was shaved, he also wearing glasses. His style of clothing was gang related.
"That sexy nurse is looking over that old lady. She is getting worse!" Hiro told them with worry.
The two became scared at hearing the news.
(Near-by)
At one of the larger buildings, it had a mass of reddish tendrils. In there were various Blacklight creatures walkers, and brawlers the most oblivious.
All around the ground of the hive were various corpses of 'them'. Their bodies maimed in various ways. They heard the noises made by the infected, but were no match of them.
As for the Blacklight beings, those things were useless to them. They could barely pass for food or turning them.
Deep in the hive, a massive figure was walking toward the exit. It sensed something like them, but at the same not. There also seemed to be humans near this source. So time to see what was there.
To be continued
A/N I'm still alive and trying to write. Life has been keeping me a little busy, feedback most welcome.