Chapter Four
The plan was decided relatively quickly. Everyone was worried about their parents; a couple wanted to go and check up on them. I thought this was completely and utterly ridiculous considering the state of the school, but I also knew I was already on thin territory at the moment. Rei and Takashi were both somewhat on the offense with me, Misuzu seemed unsure of whether or not to trust me, Shizuka and Saya were guaranteed companions at the moment- and if Saya went with me, so did that Kohta kid - but Rei was completely on edge.
The beautiful brunette was driving me wild with her bad attitude, her sharp retorts and glares. She was arousing, frustrating, and infuriating - all at the same time.
I didn't want to create complete chaos in the group, though - that meant I had to give the Takashi kid a chance. And probably apologize - not that I'd really mean it. Life was about appearances, apparently that hadn't died completely yet even with the end all around us.
Shizuka's parents had both already died. Takashi's mother was out of town working at a school somewhere else - likely dead in all honesty, while Misuzu's mother was a deadbeat drunk. She had no father to speak of, and she admitted her mother was probably dead. She didn't want us to waste our time trying to find her. Kohta's parents were both outside of Asia. As for me? My mother was long dead in a grave, and my father was at an overseas dojo in America. Rei's father was a police officer, and she hadn't been able to successfully contact her mom when we all tried to call our parents with Takashi's cellphone. The phone lines were all down. The path forward was obvious. The first place we were going to was Saya's, whose house was the closest, whose parents might actually be able to survive something like this with their almost militant estate guards.
Everyone was ready to go but Miss Marikawa and Takashi, he was currently in the bathroom. Shizuka insisted on waiting to see if any more survivors would arrive but when a half an hour passed, I started to get impatient. It seemed like the others were just as eager to leave. I decided I'd move things forward and rush those two- we needed to go. I couldn't help but feel like time was rapidly running out for Fujimi. With that in mind I approached Shizuka. She glanced up at me from where she was stuffing a bag full of a few random -albeit helpful- things like packs of band-aids, snacks, and water bottles stored in here. Seeing my serious expression, she cowered.
"S-Saeko-chan, can we talk… please?" Shizuka murmured.
I looked up at her and nodded. "Let's just get straight to the point this time, then. We're leaving." She stood swiftly, staring at me steadily. "What's bothering you?"
Shizuka looked away, her cheeks crimson, and as I stared at her the woman's golden eyes started to grow watery. "Well…I-I'm afraid! I've never driven a bus and you're making all these decisions without me- You're… too eager. I don't want you to die trying to protect so many people. Shouldn't we... shouldn't we separate from everyone else? I know someone, she works in the military. We could go to her."
I never expected Shizuka to suggest something like that. Was it genuine desire and concern for me in her eyes, or was she worried that I would be incapable of protecting her properly with my eye on so many other girls? For a moment, I couldn't do anything but stare in shock at the beautiful woman in front of me.
Why was I assuming the worst about her? I wrapped my arms around Shizuka's soft little waist and pulled her against me, her curves soft against mine. "I won't die, Shizuka-chan. And I won't let you, either. So don't even think about that. But... we need to get going, okay?"
Miss Marikawa didn't remember me the same way I did her. In her eyes we had just met today but I remembered her from before this. The way we met wasn't very romantic, I suppose I don't blame her for not remembering me. I had been pretty badly injured in one of my practices at Kendo club, not too bad but enough to make me limp. The male I was facing had decided to fight cheaply, angry that he was unable to beat me in a fair sparring match... When I first met Shizuka I was enchanted. She was sweet and pretty, silly enough that it was delightful to be around her in general. I had a crush on her. She had made my pain go away. I discovered that she was only a temporary nurse, not a real one. The old nurse was injured. I also found out she was currently in a relationship with a woman - a real sexy piece of work, all large breasts and gloriously dark, tanned skin. She and her girlfriend were delicious to say the least.
After I healed up, I only watched Shizuka from afar, and two weeks later here we are.
A part of me was bothered that Shizuka had a girlfriend but she wasn't here protecting her girl so it was my job to do it for her. "Before we go, I have to say something. On the off chance that I'm wrong and I get bitten - if I'm turned," I grasped Shizuka's hand in mine and smiled, "Please. I want you to be the one who kills me." In that way, Shizuka would always remember me - not that I would ever die. Not to those things. Shizuka avoided my eyes. I knew right then and there that she wouldn't be able to end my life if I was bitten. My lips curled into a sad smile. I cupped her cheek in my hand and pushed my face close to hers. "Shizuka-chan, I want you to promise me you won't let me stay that way," I said in a whisper, and she pulled away and turned her back to me. The blonde nurse buried her mouth in her hands, and then looked at me in despair.
"I-I can't promise that I'm sorry," She whimpered pathetically. "I can't kill another human being, not to mention someone who - who doesn't have to but is putting her life at risk for mine." I was about to reply but she practically fled, long, drawn-back hair blowing behind her. The older woman seemed as if she was about to cry. I watched the natural sway of her hips as she parted from me, then I sighed and rubbed the back of my head.
I wondered - if I died, who would end it for me then? It was something I had not considered yet; it had been obvious to me that Shizuka-chan was the only acceptable person. Would she just die instead, let me bite into her? She was clumsy, helpless, could she survive on her own? No, we needed a group - needed other people. Even a person like me couldn't be excited by a bleak reality like just her and I versus everything. Not after meeting Saya, Rei, and the rest of them.
I was surprised when someone spoke up. Takashi had finished relieving himself and had wet his face and hair. He seemed much more relaxed now. "Hey, I'll make sure you don't stay fucked up like that," Takashi murmured. Apparently he'd been listening in. I hadn't even heard him approach. I almost laughed as I looked over at where he stood. We were in the principal's office; the others were waiting outside that room to leave. It was just me and him now. If I wanted to, I could kill him, and they couldn't stop me… but I pushed that subtle thought back. I knew the consequences of such an action. I crossed my arms across my breasts and smiled. I was about to respond with a snide comment when he interrupted me quickly, a bit on the nervous side. I almost chuckled. Considering the red on his face I understood why he was being so hesitant.
"I-I don't mean it in a messed-up way. I would like you to do the same for me. Y'know?" My eyes widened as I took in his words, his soft and genuine tone. I frowned and resisted the urge to throw back a frigid retort. Instead, I kept silent and from his expression I perceived that he appreciated that. He smiled slightly and sighed. "We had a really bad start. Like, really bad, and I'm not sure what went wrong. Something about me interrupting you and your girl? Well, I won't do it again. I just want to get out of here alive... with Rei." Takashi frowned as he tried to figure out what to say next. "I'm… actually really worried about my parents, Busujima-san. You don't have to worry about me taking girls like you seem so worried about. I'm not that kind of guy, I kind of just chill. The only one I've ever wanted is Rei, and she doesn't like you."
I smiled at that and said nothing. She'd like me when I was done with her. I wanted her. How would he react to that?
"So can we… start over maybe?" I didn't know whether to believe him or not. Takashi was smiling at me so sincerely and he didn't seem to be screwing around. He had also offered his hand again, his expression soft but serious. I remembered my previous thoughts - about how I'd try to get along with him from now on. I considered the future for a moment and then offered my hand back. We shook again, and I laughed.
"Are you ready to go now? We're all waiting on you."
Takashi smiled, "Yeah I am, Busujima-san."
"Call me Saeko if you want."
Our group jogged down the hallway toward one of the side exits. The only ones without weapons were Misuzu and Shizuka; they were to stay in the middle of the group so as not to be killed when we weren't focusing our full attention on them.
The state the school was in was sickly. The walls were splattered with blood. The undead roamed the halls. The floor was slick with crimson, those still alive were committing suicide left and right, or being killed right in front of our eyes before we could reach them it was already too late. We skidded around a corner, and then paused at a staircase. I decided to speak up here; I stood in front of and stared at everyone.
"Let me make something clear. We are not to fight unless absolutely necessary. Avoid Them at all costs. Stay quiet, stay moving, stay smart. Do not get left behind, focus on survival. Do what you have to do to survive."
"Spoken like a true leader," Rei retorted in a mocking tone, rolling her eyes in disbelief as she stepped close. My breath caught in my throat. Takashi sighed "Why don't you stop acting like you're some kind of leader," She whispered in my ear, "Or like you own us in general? I'm already sick of it."
I realized how important it was to stay together, but I didn't know how long our little group would last with Rei acting like this. Even aside from the disruption it caused, every little sly comment that fell from her lips awoke the urge in me to plunge my cock down her throat until she choked. God, she was ridiculously hot, wasn't she? I couldn't be properly angry at her, especially when she was glaring at me- being bitchy truly suited her. She had a soft relationship with Takashi, yet I didn't envy him.
But something told me that if I pushed her further something bad would happen. The possibility of what she might do was tantalizing. I licked my lips. Heat pooled between my thighs. I nearly blushed but forced my excited embarrassment back, stepping away slightly. She grinned. I realized what just happened - I'd submitted to her in a way. I trembled a bit with a mixture of rage, surprise, and arousal. I had lost. I had stepped back. I had given her more ground to sweep in and take me down.
Her lips parted; ready to let loose one more blow but Saya stepped between us, her arms crossed.
She coughed. "Enough. This isn't normal high school anymore. They're highly sensitive to sound, I tested something earlier and it appears to be their only functioning sense." I wasn't surprised to hear that at all. They didn't seem to be like the zombies from movies, and they didn't do much until they heard their prey. I nodded my head along with the others in the group. "So, be quiet and if they touch you then you're gone. They look like humans, but they have monstrous strength, they'll rip you to pieces."
She was right about that - I had witnessed it earlier. We were all listening to her, and nodding along. Saya really was quite smart and charismatic when she wanted to be. Something about her was familiar when she was like that. Saya caught my warm gaze and blushed furiously.
"My point is," she smiled a little, "J-just be careful everyone. And be quiet."
Far in the distance a scream tore through the air, bringing her little speech to an abrupt halt. My eyes narrowed, and in sync we all turned. Takashi and Rei moved to see the source of the noise, I sighed and followed suit. A small group of four stood at the middle of a nearby staircase, two boys and two girls. One of the girls was actually quite sexy, the other was more cute- seeming to be in an awkward phase. She was tall and lanky while the other was petite and bright-eyed.
"F-fuck, stay back!" One of the boys growled, raising the bat in his hand towards the small group of undead that was swarming them. There were ten or eleven of Them. Why the fuck weren't these kids running? Standing their ground against a group like that while remaining so passive? Stupid fucks, we they trying to get themselves killed - being so loud, being so reckless!
I growled as I dashed forward, leaping onto the rails in front of me, then off them - launching forward. I landed on the other among the human group. They seemed enthralled, shocked by the way I had jumped. I smirked as I stood up from where I'd landed.
"Saeko!" A voice called, and I stepped forward as a nail shot past me, narrowly avoiding the side of my face to take out a zombie jerking shakily toward me.
"Thanks, Kohta-kun," I called back softly, under my breath, and I swept my bokken out in a sweep as Takashi and Rei ran down the stairs like normal human beings, racing over to us- feet pounding on the cement.
The leader of the other group seemed to be in a state of complete and total shock, staring blankly at us as we approached. So, they weren't just being passive, they were paralyzed with fear. Useless. I smashed my blade into the head of one, using my foot to kick another in the face, before swiftly smashing my blunt sword into its skull as well. I felt so good! Down they went, a rainshower of blood all around me. Rei speared another right beside me, stabbing it straight through the skull. I had been about to take it out, but Rei was presumptuous.
"You're welcome. Give us a warning before you pull off tricks like that, will you? I thought you were dead." Rei admitted. I nodded once. I'd let her believe she had saved me - it was the thought that counted.
The fighting tension drained away to a conclusion as we took out the rest of the mob. The survivors were crying with relief, clinging to each other. They were truly lucky to be alive and they knew it. I don't know what drove me to save them... was it the right choice? Shizuka seemed worried. I knew she was thinking about how rapidly our group was growing.
"That was awesome Saeko-chan!" Misuzu approached us in disbelief, her eyes aglow with hope. "Y-You killed so many so effortlessly!" The cloth-bun-wearing brunette hugged my arm, smiling ear to ear, "You killed almost all of them! H-how do you do it?"
I barely heard her, my eyes were on Rei entirely, who wasn't looking back.
She was worried about me, and she'd saved me.
I wanted her so badly. Her bad attitude - it made me feel so many things. I wanted to grab her by the hair. Force her to her knees. If she was struggling I wouldn't really care. I wanted to fuck her. I wanted to make those cold features melt for me. I was stuck thinking about those liquid-brown, almost golden eyes, locked on me. I admired how strong she was, how quick and sure she was with her strike just now.
"S-Saeko-chan…are you alright?" Misuzu was still talking to me.
My eyesight refocused. I stayed silent, before sweeping down the stairs to where the four people we saved were standing. "Has anyone been bitten, tell me now," I asked. "Do not lie."
The group stared back at me in shock, and Shizuka interjected, softer than I was.
"Please, if you are injured let us know. This sickness supposedly spreads via bite, very rapidly. It's hard to believe but... please, students." The bimbo twiddled her fingers cutely, and I could tell the two guys were knocked out of their stupefied state by her adorableness. That almost made me laugh. Shizuka was a motivator - who wouldn't want a woman like her?
One of the two girls, a blue-haired, awkward girl, lifted her hands defensively and shook her head immediately. "N-None of us were bit, I promise." She did not seem disingenuous. "We were almost bitten... a-almost." Her lip quivered, and she grasped one of the boy's hands, seemingly a boyfriend.
"Maybe I should check, just in case," I suggested coolly. Saya smacked me on the arm. She was glaring with her amber eyes.
"They don't have to prove anything."
I shrugged. "Fine. If they were bit and lied about it the consequences are in your hands. It wouldn't be that hard to check."
"Enough," Rei snapped, "We don't have time to save people if we're going to interrogate them afterward."
I suppose she was right. "Do you want to come with us?" Takashi asked the two boys and girls. The group glanced at each other, then nodded all at the same time.
"Sure," The dark-blue haired girl was shy as she spoke to us. She had become the newcomer's leader for now it seemed, addressing me directly. I grinned at our new pretty member, and as we walked away, I brushed my hand with hers.
"I'll protect you, if you want. Just stay close to me." I said in a teasing tone. The freckled girl twiddled her fingers, seeming at a loss for words. But she didn't look as if she wanted to push me away. Her boyfriend glanced at where I touched her in disbelief, but just glowered and turned away, marching along ahead of us. She glanced back at me as she raced after him, a cute expression on her face.
Takashi laughed. "You're unbelievable." He said as he ran past me. It seemed he was amused by my forwardness.
Our group became completely silent once we exited toward the parking lot. The school grounds were huge. I was walking with as little weight on my feet as possible. We entered a building to avoid a particularly large swarm, heading down a hallway. We stopped at the top of the wide, sweeping staircase leading down to the main lobby. From here we could see the start of the parking lot - but there was a huge group of undead, slothful on the ground level. They were in our way, past Them were the field trip vehicles.
I was ready to just go out among them, but it seemed the two newcomer guys and some others were a lot more doubtful. They slowed to a halt, peering down at the group and gulping. I pointed forward, beckoning for them to keep moving but the four survivors shook their heads.
"What? Why are you hesitating?" Saya murmured snidely "They only hear us; they can't see us, feel us, smell us…"
Apparently, Rei was a bit doubtful too because she scoffed and rested a hand on her hip, giving Saya a condescending look. "Well then, why don't you go down there first and test out that theory Princess," She snapped,
At that Saya blanched, growing pale. She didn't exactly want to test her theory - but then again, that had never been an option. I laughed quietly, smiling when all eyes turned on me.
"Something funny Saeko?" Rei snapped.
I smirked, ignoring all of them and rapidly stepping down the stairs. I grasped the handle of my bokken as I reached the bottom and stepped among the quiet, unaware horde. God, they stank already. They were all bathed in blood, covered in horrid wounds. Standing up close to them even threw off someone like me. I trembled a bit, looking from walking carcass to walking carcass as I quietly strode among them.
Saya's theory proved to be correct. Even so, my breath caught in my throat as one of the undead bastards stumbled far too close for comfort. If I even moved a little, I'd be bumping shoulders with the zombie. I clenched my fist around my bokken and held my breath, a drop of sweat dripping down between my shoulder blades. But then it was over, and the zombie walked past me aimlessly, biting at its own knuckles and tearing out pale, bloodied chunks of bone.
I breathed a sigh of relief once the undead was far enough away. It was far too dangerous to walk past them like this. I could do it, I could handle anything, but could the rest of them? An idea entered my head as I caught sight of a bloody sneaker on the floor. I picked it up, throwing it with all my strength across the room. The shoe hit the metal lockers with a loud bang, and the undead looked over as one single unit, and slowly, ever so slowly began to groan, shuffling towards the source of the sound.
A smirk quirked the corner of my lips as I glanced up at my group, motioning with my hand for them to follow.
I pushed the doors to the school lobby open slowly and beckoned at everyone to start filing through. Misuzu joined me and held the other door open. Fresh air swam into the blood-coated lobby. One by one we were making it out. Once everyone but the newcomers darted out, Shizuka beaming as she passed me, I made my way outside swiftly. I raced ahead, expecting the two new guys and girls to be right behind but then -CLANG-.
I froze and whirled around, staring where one of our newest members, one of the boys, was looking scared and guilty. His makeshift weapon, a long pole, had apparently banged against the metal railing of the stairs. The sound was shrill and loud, reverberating out and catching the attention of all the nearby zombies outside and in.
"Everybody, run!" Someone shouted, making our situation even worse.
I heard Saya practically hiss, "You didn't have to yell and make it worse, Takashi! You idiot!"
Scattered, we raced ahead toward the buses. We had to make it. I was so pissed off, adrenaline pumping on me. I kept my eye on Shizuka and Misuzu, taking out any of Them that wandered too close to our flanks. One person had almost ruined our escape. We were outrunning Them but the new survivors were still dragging behind. 'That… that fucking idiot! That pathetic, clumsy weakling - he ruined everything- how could he not be more careful!? I want to fucking kill him.'
I channeled my rage in a helpful direction, thriving in the dark emotion. All that mattered was the path forward, which was keeping Shizuka-chan alive, Rei-chan and Saya-chan. All of them. Smashing, killing a path toward the buses. Takashi, Kohta, Rei and I were all in agreement. We were an unstoppable force, moving in sync. We would make it - most of us, anyways. The ones that were strong enough.