Chapter Eighteen

When I woke up, the vehicles had jumped into the back of were jerking to an abrupt stop. It was a bit intimidating knowing that Nato and his friends could have taken me anywhere while I was passed out. My back was feeling a little better, but I was too distracted by the sounds of rapid gunfire to care about that.

My hand instinctively dropping to my bokken. My eyes widened as my fingers wrapped around the hilt of an actual blade. The memories of earlier that day hit me. I had found an actual katana. Not too impressive, but strong and sturdy. It would do the job.

I took a cursory glance around me.

There weren't many undead. But if we kept being this loud there probably would be. I didn't recognize the street. Now that I thought about it I didn't know this city very well. Or at all, for that matter. "Do you know where we are, Shizuka?" I asked, turning my head to where the familiar warmth of her breasts was against my lap. A smile curled my lips when I saw that somehow she was still sleeping, drooling as always. Her eyes were squeezed peacefully shut, soft breaths leaving her frame. I ran my fingers through her golden, soft streams of hair then glanced at the schoolgirls shivering in the back of the truck with us. "You girls. You know where we are?"

"Just down the hill of the Takagi estate." the older, pregnant woman answered for them. She gave me a kind smile, the little girl next to her cuddled to her breast. "We're going to be safe."

"I doubt they'll let us in just like that," one of the schoolgirls sighed. "Look at us. Well, them. All these men are so well armed, and they're a gang. They look like thugs. I doubt people like the Takagi's are going to let an army into their estate."

I listened to what they said silently. It was true, most likely. I doubted it would be as simple getting in as just asking nicely. I wanted Shizuka awake when that happened. I nudged her, sweeping her blond locks from her forehead. "Shizuka. Time to wake up," I murmured gently.

"Mmm, Saeko," she raised her head, letting out a tiny yawn. I looked down at her. I was almost overwhelmed by how cute she looked at that moment. Drool dripping from the corner of her mouth, amber eyes still sleepy, hair mussed, mouth in an adorable pout. I cleared my throat. "G'morning," she mumbled, "or...day." When her eyes slid shut again I laughed, shaking her some more. How she was sleeping with gunfire all around us I didn't know.

"Can you watch her," I asked the women around me. They glanced at Shizuka, then nodded.

"Of course," the pregnant one nodded, giving me an earnest smile. I bowed my head in thanks, before shifting, and pulling myself carefully out from under Shizuka. Then, I hopped off the back of the pickup.

I grasped my new blade, as I walked over to where Nato was. The bald man was noticeable from a distance. Misuzu was at his side, sitting on the back of the bike he had been using. "Why are we making so much damn noise," I demanded, and he glanced at me.

"Glad to see you're awake." His arms were crossed as he watched his men took care of the undead littering the streets. The road was uphill from here, trees leaning over the fences on the side of the street. Zombies were dead left and right.

I ignored his kind words. "There's no point we're only attracting more of them."

"We were just clearing the way ahead. Relax," Nato sighed, he gave me a look, "when the cyclists go by them they grab for where they hear the noise coming from. Took one of my guys straight off it. Ate him before we could do a thing." He shook his head, "but it's avoidable if we just gun them all down before we get going. Now look, the street is perfectly clear for us.

I looked ahead. But behind us, there was the sound of grunting. I glanced down the hill. As I had thought the undead were gathering in quantity. I wanted no part in that. "Shizuka and I are going to go on ahead. On our own. I know Take agi, so I'll let them know you're alright and to let you in. Thank you for taking me this far. He gave me a slight nod. "We'll take care of the ones down here. Just know we're almost out of ammo. So move quickly. We'll be up there soon. I walked around to the back of the pickup truck.

Shizuka was awake now, albeit not very much. I found it cute how even in the situations we kept getting into she still managed to sleep so deeply. She was like a baby. I leaned against the back of the truck, giving her a smile. "Good thing you're awake. We're moving ahead of them. Going to give the Takagi's some warning." She just nodded, yawning as I helped her out of the pickup. She leaned against me for support when her feet hit the ground.

I gave her a gentle kiss on the mouth. "You've got to wake up."

She nodded, "I know...I-I'm sorry." She forced her eyes open fully, shifting. "But I'm ready now."I gave her a smile of appreciation, before we began to walk forward. Nato and the others had finished up the zombies uphill, and now had their eyes on the growing hoard below. The bald man glanced at me, then at Misuzu.

"Mind taking her with you?" He questioned, crossing his arms.

His words hit me hard. I turned my gaze to where Misuzu sat. She was staring back at me, curious probably as to what my response would be. I turned my head to face Nato. "Why would I do that?" I asked myself that as well. I knew many bad things about Misuzu. She was a coward, she was a liar, she was treacherous, and she had broken my girlfriend's heart. But despite all that, I found myself wanting to take her with us.

Despite it all, I had liked her. I crossed my arms.

"We don't have much time," Misuzu sighed, "are you taking me or not?"

"I don't want to risk her not getting let in. If she's with you it's a guarantee." I realized we were wasting a lot of time. So I just made the decision quickly. I glanced at Shizuka, but she didn't know what to make of the situation. She just gave me a smile. I turned back to Misuzu.

"You can come. Come on then, both of you," I began the long trek uphill, walking past all of Nato's guys. The foreigner, Sia, gave me a grin. "Nice to see you again." I called to her. She just gave me a sad look.

"You're a welcome sight before I die." I flinched at her words, taken aback. She looked away, sighing. "We won't be meeting again," she gave me a pat on the back. "Good luck."

Misuzu finished saying goodbye to Nato, and she hurriedly caught up to us. She had a backpack on, and her hand was on the machete at her hip. She saw Sia, and gave her an eager kiss on the mouth.

"See you, Sia. Thanks for everything."

Without another word we began to walk up the hill, towards the estate at the very top. It felt so far away. I had a feeling, in my gut, that I'd never see Nato and the others again. I didn't know why. "Why did she say she wouldn't see me again," I murmured, wiping the sweat from my brow as I walked. I stepped over undead corpse after undead corpse. Misuzu gave me a sad look.

"They're not planning on coming to Takagi's. They've had bad interactions with them in the past. They're gonna hold off the undead while the truck moves on ahead. The Takagi's are uptight bastards. Nato, Sia, Nobu? They're all part of a gang. They're basically criminals. They're also notorious. There'll be no getting in for them. They don't plan on ruining the chances of the people we saved." I was shocked at what I was hearing. I had no idea that Nato was such a kind guy. I felt bad for not saying more. He'd helped me out, and he'd helped all those girls. Then he was just going to...die? I shook my head. A loss, really.

We made it uphill in around ten minutes, the sound of shooting behind us. It was unnerving now, knowing that that was going to be the last thing those men did. Were they all aware of it? Or just the three leading them? It was a pity.

I glanced around us, then ahead. In the far distance, looming, was a massive house. I figured that that was the Takagi estate. Such a secure, safe looking place was a comforting sight. Misuzu and Shizuka were panting lightly next to me, physically exerted. It always amused me seeing how unathletic they were.

In the way though, was a gate, with two men stationed at it. Both were heavily armed, and wearing ponchos. When I looked up, I realized how cloudy the sky was. It was going to rain. It was surprising how prepared they were. They had their eyes on us, probably did the second they saw us reach the top of the hill. I walked towards them, trying to look as unaggressive as possible.

"More survivors. Armed, these ones," the chubbier of the two murmured, glancing at all three of them.

"Hello. I apologize for showing up with no warning," I bowed my head, "you see I was separated from Saya Takagi a day or so ago. She is expecting me. I can name the rest of my companions if that is necessary. As proof that I was there." They glanced at each other. Then the second man, younger than the first lifted a walky talky from his belt.

"Hello, Maam? We've got a situation at the gate. Three women. One older, two teenagers. Should we let them in?" After a moment, he glanced at me. "What are your names?"

I spoke for us. "Saeko Busujima, Shizuka Marikawa, and Misuzu Ichijou." There was a silence as the man repeated what I'd said, and then listened carefully. Then he nodded. He glanced at the pudgy man.

"Mrs. Takagi says let them in." I grinned victoriously, glancing at Shizuka with a smile. Misuzu was looking relieved.

"There are some other survivors coming after me," I warned. The men nodded.

"We'll handle it."

Walking towards the estate had to be the most intimidating thing in the world. This place was massive. I tried to imagine growing up in a place like this. I bet there were butlers and maids and everything. I'd never seen grass so green, or any place so clean. A huge fountain was in the center of the front lawn, a driveway reaching around us. Everywhere I looked on the huge house, there were balconies. Men in uniform passed by occasionally, all looking very serious with swords at their belts. There were swordsmen here? I couldn't believe this place.

"Unbelievable," I murmured, eyes wide.

I was walking towards the front door when there was a shriek.

I smiled, I recognized that shriek. From the front door a familiar girl was racing towards me, pink twin tails streaming behind me. I didn't know she was capable of running so fast. "I knew you'd make it," Saya exclaimed, as she slammed straight into me. I winced, back throbbing, but holding her close. She cuddled up against me. "Why did you do something so stupid you idiot," she whispered, cupping my cheek. I gazed at her, smiling.

"I was just doing what I thought was best."

Saya blushed when she looked into my eyes. "Stupid." She averted her gaze. I leaned down, gently pressing my lips to hers. Her entire face became a dark crimson. But she kissed me back, softly. No tongue, just a warm greeting. When I pulled away she had a huge smile. Then, flushed, Saya shoved me away. "Y-You! You're such an idiot," she squealed, "the first thing you do is kiss me!?"

"Well. I hugged you first," I responded.

Saya shook her head. "You realize the others have been waiting for you guys. They were worried sick." My heart pounded at the thought of the others. After being separated from them again I missed them even more. Saya adjusted her glasses, sniffing, as she glanced at Shizuka. "Nice to see you again, boobs. I'm surprised you made it."

"Hehe," Shizuka smiled, "I am too. Remember Misuzu," the golden blonde asked, as she pushed our new companion in Saya's direction. An expression of distaste crossed Saya's face. She looked the girl up and down.

"How could I forget?" She looked pointedly away, "let's get you guys to the others. Saeko, my mother wanted to meet you."

"I'm not going to be forced to marry you or anything right?" I teased.

"Idiot! O-Of course not!"

I grinned widely. "Alright, where am I to meet your mom?"

"I'll show you to her office after we drop them off. We'll also get you a change of clothes."

A few minutes later I was dressed in a neat pair of tailored black pants and a crisp black shirt. I adjusted the collar, glancing at where Saya stood watching me "Is this outfit really necessary? I was far more comfortable in my other clothes." The pinkette nodded.

"If you're in the Takagi estate you are to look your best at all moments." Reluctantly, I sighed, then nodded.

"Alright, I guess. I'm ready to go when you are."

I actually wasn't ready. Was it even possible to be ready meeting someone's impossibly wealthy mother? Especially after I'd kissed her daughter like that. People like this had eyes and ears everywhere, I bet she knew about it already. I tried to look as confident as possible. Everybody that we passed looked so important. And I was already a bit anxious since Saya hadn't allowed me to see the others, just rushed me out. But it was nice being alone with her, even for a while.

Then according to Saya, we were there.

Knocking lightly, Saya opened the door. "She's here mother."

"Good. Now leave us. We have things to discuss." My eyes widened. I knew that voice. How could I forget it?! Painfully familiar, sensual, commanding. I was paralyzed for a long moment. Saya was gazing at me expectantly, the door to the now terrifying room held open. No. It wasn't possible...was it? I stiffly walked towards the doorway, and gazed in. Saya leaned upwards, and pressed a gentle, shy kiss to my mouth. It didn't help my fear, my anger, nothing could probably. Then she walked away.

"See you soon Saeko." I walked into the room.

"Shut the door behind you," Saya's mother ordered. I did as told. "Good girl." I flinched. Then I looked upward. It was as I feared...I recognized her. From when I was fourteen. From America. She was basically unaged, still so confident and sexy. Her pink, almost violet hair, was pushed back from her face, all knowing pink eyes gazing into mine. She was smiling, so kind looking. Just like back then. She was...terrifying.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it Saeko Busujima?"

Trembling, I nodded. "Y-yes, it has been..."

"It's good to see you still recognize my command," Yuriko Takagi smiled kindly. "I wonder if it remembers everything I expect of it? Does it, Saeko? Your body? Does it recognize me?" I shook my head, gazing hard at her feet. They were clad in heels. Her long, porcelain legs were also familiar to me. I stepped back as she took a step forward, closing my eyes.

"N-No...I've changed since then. I don't...want that stuff. I didn't then." When I opened my eyes, she was close. I could smell her perfume. Her natural scent beneath that. She sighed gently, and placed a soft hand on my cheek. She stroked my face, ever so gentle.

"I see." Her hand crept down my face, my throat, my chest. Caressing me. I stiffened, trembling visibly. "I see you've taken an interest in my daughter."

'Yes..."

"I'm afraid I can't allow that." I wanted to do something. To hurt her. But if I did something to her, and she was in charge of the estate, she could easily have anyone removed. Including me. So I let her do as she willed. Her hand reached the area between my legs. I didn't realize how hot it had become. How hard I was. "And tt seems you were wrong. Your body, it does recognize me. Were you lying?"

I broke. I pushed her away from me. "What do you want," I snarled, "what do you want from me? Want me to fuck you? To beg you to do me like you did back then?!" I brought my voice down low to a whisper when I saw her expression of shock. I ran my eyes down her body. Down the swell of her breasts, her thin waist, then her curvaceous hips. "I don't know what you want from me. All I know is that I won't let you do to me what you did back then." I turned away, shivering, and opened the door.

"You don't get to tell me what I will, or will not, do. I expect you back in here tonight." I paused in the doorway, eyes wide. "Just like old times."