If you've got any criticisms, suggestions or have spotted a mistake or anything, feel free to drop a review or a PM to me. I'm more than willing to listen and get more ideas to keep this fic going, be that in the form of new characters, scenes and whatnot or edits to existing ones that'll help flesh out the story and make it all the more enjoyable to read. I can't guarantee any form of an update schedule, but I'll try my best to push out chapters when I can!

If there's any edits, they'll be mentioned here. Please, enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own H.O.T.D nor any of it's characters, nor do I own any other franchise that may be mentioned.

Dinner was a quiet affair, as per the norm. Neither I or Rei were talkative individuals, so there's no wonder none of us said a word, but I could tell from but a glance that they knew I was worried about something. If I didn't say something, then they would.

A sigh escapes me as I lower the garlic bread I was about to dip into the remaining sauce of the Bolognese before me. I was mostly done, and so were my parents, so now was as good a time as any. I rub my eyes and absentmindedly make sure to speak in English. It's not that we all couldn't speak Japanese, it's simply something we had gotten into a habit of doing, at least until I showed up.

"Have you checked the news lately?" I ask slowly, glancing between the two as they looked at each other

They respond with a nod. Well, at least that confirms where I get it from. The lack of speaking, that is.

"...there's been reports of violent riots all over. And the amount of them keeps growing really fast. There was a video up online that got taken down and it's-" bones shattering underneath a superhuman grip, teeth grinding into flesh with a terrifying squelch- "-horrifying. There's even been reports of some in Japan, near the airport. With how many of them there are, I'm-"

"-Your worried. Well, that explains why your almost as jittery as the time you smashed a vase at my mothers house and tried to hide the evidence" My father interrupts with a coy grin, a shudder going through me at that specific memory. My grandmother is one scary woman.

"Yeah. I don't want to overreact, but with how quick it's moving It doesn't feel right to just do... nothing. What if one appears near us, or while I'm at school?" I ask, a panicked expression over my face as I resist the urge to let loose tears of frustration. Here I am in a world where physics can take a backseat if there's enough dramatic flare, and yet I can see it all crumbling around me.

A hand finds its way onto my shoulder. My mothers hand. "-Rei, trust me- you will be fine. The school has fences and the faculty are well trained- they'll keep you safe if something goes wrong." She smiles "And don't you worry none about us, if they show up here we'll go up the road to the Takagi estate- it's near enough to a fortress."

I took a deep, shuddery breath in, then out- trying to calm myself. I nod absentmindedly "-Yeah... yeah- your right. Alright. I'll- I'll go get some rest..." I murmur, standing up and moving for the stairs without another word, thoughts of needing to wash up my plate replaced by uncertain dread.

I'm stopped by a hand grabbing my arm. My father. "Don't you worry about a thing. Push comes to shove, I know you'll be safe. Just focus on your studies, everything will be alright" He grins, releasing me.

I don't get any real rest throughout the night, my short-lived dreams plagued by the sight of snarling figures pouncing towards me.

A cold sweat rushes over me as I snap awake with a shudder, quickly looking around my room. Nothing's changed from how I left it- backpack still open near my desk, the old computer sitting silent on the wood. A relieved sigh escapes me as I stand up. I don't know when things are going to well and truly kick off, but I'm of the belief it'll be today- if not tomorrow. Either-or.

Stretching on the spot briefly, I check my phone for the time as I sit down at my desk, the old computer whirring to life. If my door wasn't shut, I have no doubt the entire house would have heard it without issue. It's about five in the morning- more than enough time.

Putting in my password and opening Google, I decided to change up my approach for information. The news has confirmed somethings wrong, but I know they'll try to minimize panic. It's how the news works pretty much everywhere. So, I go to sites where the information's validity is shaky. 4chan, Reddit, any form of forum site I can name of the top of my head, and it's here my fears are, if only ever so slightly, put at ease through a single video. Contrary to the dreaded 042419-eod which has been reposted numerous times and deleted just as much for its gory nature, this other video gets a closer look at the rioters.

It's titled what do I do in this situation, featuring a cast of one hiker backing up as two others with pale grey, almost dead skin coated with blood trudge towards him at a slow, consistent pace- their wounds not visible beneath their clothes, eyes covered by their sunglasses. The hiker doesn't say anything, but his breathing is audible. It's clear he's running out of breath. It ends just as quickly as it began, with the description stating the following;

6kmandback - these two guys have been following me for an hour now without saying anything. they've been moaning loudly though. what do i do?

Whoever this 6km guy is, he received innumerable responses. And replied to none of them, even though the video was posted just under a day ago. So- why does this put me at ease? Simple. It means if there are truly undead, or if there's a rage virus or whatever this is? They aren't sprinters, and that is an immense relief. I don't think I'd be able to stay kicking if they could run at full speed.

I shut down the computer and stand up, getting into my school uniform... mostly. I don't bother with the usual trousers, instead opting for black cargo pants that look similar enough. It's a breach of the uniform code, but the utility is worth it. It'll also help hide the fact I'm going to be wearing the black boots I use for camping trips. While they aren't steel toe-capped, they're certainly a step up from the shoddy school shoes I'd otherwise be stuck with. Today and tomorrow, I'll be prepared for anything. If things settle down by then, then all good, but better safe than sorry.

Grabbing a black baseball cap to complete the look and unplugging the headset from my computer, placing it around my neck, I open my bag and get to filling it with some basics- an extra set of clothing, some deodorant and a lighter, some money... anything I might need or could possibly use as I repeat the mantra in my head.

Better safe than sorry. Better safe than sorry.

I earned some odd looks from my parents as I rushed out the door early, giving them nothing but a simple 'see you later', but they didn't object nor try to stop me. I bolted around the corner and across the road, passing the bus stop. I've got a bit of time, and the Sevenson is down the road. Might as well see if anything comes to mind to grab while I can.

Rushing past people gets me more than my fair share of glares and cries of outrage as I narrowly avoid tripping over myself and into people, but I do get to the store with time to spare. Naturally, I recognize no-one, but that's the norm for Tokonosu what with there being an airport nearby. The population density is notably higher than one might expect.

Entering the store, the attendant looks as dead as always. Standing there silently with a vacant look in his eyes. The most human zombie ever, a part of my brain snidely remarks as I move straight to the drinks aisle, nabbing a six pack of Coca-Cola. If I'm getting stuck in a shit-fest, I'm definitely feeding my addiction.

I flick through the neighbouring aisle, instinctively grabbing an energy bar as I do so before I move to the final of the three aisles where the limited selection of stationary supplies reside. Rubber bands, pens, a notebook, pencils, a flashli- Yes. Can't forget one of those- would hate to use up all my phones battery on light rather than tunes.

Making sure to get an extra pair of batteries, I rushed over to the counter and chucked my items down, where the agonizingly slow clerk took his sweet time scanning the few items I grabbed. Looking them over, I knew for a fact my back was going to hate me for all of the stuff I'm going to be carrying, but- well. You know what I'm going to say.

Besides, the rate in which people heal is notably faster as well, which certainly helps explain why people are stronger and more fit than their counterparts from my reality. I lose focus for but a moment as I hear another 'ping' of him scanning my next item. Two of four down.

Shiit. I hope the undead here don't heal or have steel-crushing strength. That'd be a pain in the ass. If the undead are a thing here, that is. Always a chance this is all one elaborate hoax, right? Haah... as if. I don't want to kid myself any more than necessary.

I hear someone cough and whirl around to face them. Oh- there's a line of two people behind me. And the clerk is done, looking at me with barely hidden impatience.

He gets his yen promptly as I grab my things and run for the door. Can't keep getting distracted like that. What if I do that when things really kick off- if they do, of course? Well, I'll probably die a horrible, gory death. That or I'll trip and break my neck. It wont be the most unlikely death to occur in history, after all. People have died in sillier ways.

The bus rumbles to the stop as I just barely get on in time. A close call. Swiftly moving to the back seats, I flop down close to a window, one of the few that can be pushed open. My paranoia isn't taking any chances as I glance around once more.

Knowing everyone on this bus, and everyone I've seen today might be dead come tomorrow? It's a dreadful feeling. You ever seen something horrible happen and be helpless to stop it? It's that very same feeling, but with a spoonful of lingering, ice-cold terror that'll ruin any good night for weeks on end.

Drawing my phone, I flick on some music and pull up my headset onto my ears. Any distraction is better than no distraction, and I'd rather avoid having a panic attack before I'm even at school, although any song I pick will likely be stuck remining me of this situation every time I listen...

Fuck it. Can't go wrong with some Queen.

"Tonight... 'm gonna have myseelf a real good time~" Suddenly, I'm regretting my song choice. This will not be a good time.

Is it too late to skip school?

Definitely too late to skip school. It wasn't however too late to skip classes. I don't have too many today, which is great. If my day was packed like Thursdays are, I'd be in one hell of a sticky situation trying to worm my way out for the whole day.

Stepping off the bus and doing some basic stretches, I look over the courtyard as other students begin filing into the building- catching one of the teachers by the gate giving me a glare. Oop- here she comes. Joy.

"Smith-san. Would you care to explain why your out of uniform?" She asks, and I do my best to not look at her- even as she leans over slightly to get to my height and gives me a generous view of her cleavage on accident. Focus, focus. Uh... excuses- right. Half-truth is better than a full lie.

"Ah- Kyoko-Sensei! Sorry, some of my clothes got torn on the way back from school yesterday, so I took the closest similar clothes I could find!" I give a slight bow of respect, hoping she'd buy it. From what I recall, I- er, Rei that is- had her as a teacher quite frequently during his first and second year.

Besides, I've got a clumsy streak a mile wide that supposedly is on par with the nurses ditzy streak, even if I've never met the woman myself. "Is that so?" She asks, eyes narrowing.

My face remains unmoving, statue-like as I stare into the space next to her head. I am absolutely not sweating, and even if I were it's just the heat. Ahuh. "Yes, Sensei."

She straightens herself out and points to the school, her head raised haughtily. "-Hmph! Fine, you will get a pass this once. Don't let me catch you out of uniform again, young man!"

I smile softly and nod, giving another brief bow "Thank you, Sensei!"

Moving for the front entrance, I figure now was as good a time as any for a proper plan to form.

While I certainly could have found a way to stay at home for the start of the shit-show, I've got no doubt if I stayed at home I'd simply get surrounded. There's not enough space, and the walls around my house aren't very sturdy. Nor do I think for a moment the Takagi estate will be very welcoming to me if I show up having flunked from school because I felt something was wrong.

Besides, I've got extra years of living stacked on and I might as well put them to use helping those Rei knows. Well, those I know. Like uh... roof-guy, and Emi... and... Takagi-san... and... Shido- actually no fuck that guy.

Wow. Realising you have no friends sucks. Well- best get to warning that small list then.

How would I do that though? I don't know anything about Takagi other than that she exists and is in this school. Emi is in my class, but I should be able to find her during lunch with any luck... hrm. I could always sneak into some of the classrooms and grab extra supplies I might need as I go finding them. Oh, could visit the nurse, see if she'd be willing to give me a roll of Gauze.

Never know when your going to need some gauze! It's with this thought on mind that I start my way up the stairs to get this plan rolling.

[POV: Takashi]

Takashi never was one to put too much effort into things outside of the bare minimum- just enough to scrape by without being held back. Skipping classes was something he'd do freely if he knew there wasn't much of a reason for him to attend. It's this fact that led him to the roof once again, leaning over the railing facing the main courtyard of the academy.

Third period is in progress, and he probably should have attended, but he couldn't quite stand working so close to Hisashi and Rei. Not yet. His lips slip into a frown as his brow furrows at the thought, although he snaps out of it fairly quickly as the door behind him swings open with a loud creak, followed by a bang as it slams against the wall.

He tilts his head and turns to face whoever walks through the door- for all he knows it might be a teacher again, so it's better to actually face them. Even if it isn't one, he'll have to move somewhere else for the next period he flunks. Maybe the exterior metal staircase? It's not too far from here.

Blonde hair. Green eyes. Caucasian features and a school uniform with a bulky black backpack. It's the guy who's usually up here on the roof at lunch. Never did get his name. With a soft 'huh', Takashi turns once more to face away from him- he's no issue.

"Oi. Listen-" He hears the upper-classman pant, clearly out of breath. Turning once more to face him in curiosity, Takashi notes he's winded, heaving for air with both hands gripping the straps of his backpack tightly. "-haah, should have gotten a better backpack, lugging this up the stairs sucks..." the guy moans out in English, before switching back to Japanese to speak to Takashi.

"-listen. I've got the feeling something bad is going to happen, today. If not here, then elsewhere. Reports of violent riots all over the place, even in Japan. It's not-" he breathes in "-its not looking good, even if my gut feeling could be wrong. Just- keep an eye out and be ready to leave. I don't know about you, but if one of those riots pops up near here? You should be ready to leave." he speaks out in a deep, almost pleading voice.

Takashi's look of confusion must have been obvious, as the upper-classman follows up his prior request. "I get it- you don't know me, I don't know you, but I'd feel like shit if I didn't at least warn you while I had the chance. Just- just keep it in mind. If you don't believe me, find a phone or something and look it up." He nods, spinning on his feet and breaking into a run for the door once more- wasting no time.

Takashi lets him go, not a single word escaping his lips. He's got to be insane, if not a bit kooky. A fact only reinforced as he almost trips while closing the door behind him.

His eyes glaze over the surroundings, towards the airport where a plume of smoke rises and another one abruptly joins it.

...He can't be right, can he?

[POV: Smith]

One down, and that's before lunch! Granted, I did have to do the first two periods before I could slip out of the third class with Shido in favour of warning roof-guy. I can't immediately think of anyone who'll give me much more than extra homework for skipping one of his, and I'm far from the first person to do such.

During those first two periods, I was reminded of a small fact that I forgot about in my haste- wearing a hat indoors is often frowned upon. Being chided for such in front of the whole class is embarrassing, but I'll take the hit to my pride for its utility if the sun decides to try and blind me. It's tried such before, after all. It's currently sitting in my bag, where it'll stay until it's needed.

Now- lunch is coming up, but I've got time before then. That gives me a window of opportunity to do something else outside of waiting for Emi. Sure, I could ponder how exactly I'm going to approach Emi regarding the situation, but I'll just wing it as usual, consequences be damned. Not a good mindset to have, but it'll work. Their survival isn't mandatory to my knowledge, as gruesome of a thought that might be.

So- nurses office is the way to go. If there's one thing I didn't pack, its medical supplies of literally any nature. If I took anything from the first-aid kits at home, I'm certain my mother and father would have noticed more than the might have noticed some basic things like I took going missing.

Sure, I could have bought one at the Sevenson, but trusting on a gas station medical kit is the same as trusting the cigarette the random alley guy is giving you. That is to say; a bad idea.

Moving at a brisk walking pace, I try to keep quiet while I make my way across the building. Sure, I could just run there, but if I do that then I might run into a teacher, and I'm fresh out of excuses right now. Especially if it's Kyoko again.

Luckily for me, I make it without incident. Outside of almost tripping on the stairs, that is, but that's a normal occurrence for me. Opening the door quietly, I slip inside- not seeing anyone. Hrm.

The office in question is nice and open, a few of those movable covers on wheels positioned to block view of beds from the row of windows alongside the door. There's glass cupboards on the wall full of medicine, towels and supplies with more than enough room for a fair few patients to rest if needed, alongside the usual office requirements of a desk, filing cabinet, computer and paperwork. An unusually high stack of paperwork, at that.

Is the nurse even in today? Is there a cover for her? Or did she step out for a moment? It's with these thoughts that I begin looking around the schools small medical room. The computers humming and on, so someone's been in- and the cupboards are all unlocked, the window wide open... so where..?

"Hmmh~, what are you doing here? Are you hurt?" I hear a soft Japanese voice whisper from directly behind me, something pushing against my backpack. I stiffen up momentarily, before whirling on the spot, one foot behind the other as I position myself to run, my heart beating erratically in my chest.

The nurse is... well, beautiful is a word I've used a lot, and it's certainly accurate here. Notably so. I thought some of the people in my class were generously proportioned, but the nurse knocks it out of the park. "Uhh..." I dumbly begin, shaking my head and slapping my face "-right, right. Sorry- got distracted, and a bit surprised. Sorry, Sensei! No, I am not hurt!"

I bow to the woman as she places a finger up to her lip, humming audibly "Oh, then why have you come here? Are you the one sent to help with my paperwork? I've been having some trouble..."

You know that feeling of dread I had earlier? Yeah, it's come back but for a different reason entirely. Paperwork is the bane of most peoples existence. School work is agonizing enough. "Haah- no, no. Sorry, unfortunately not" I rub the back of my head sheepishly, straightening myself out finally. "My name is Rei Smith. I was wondering if I could get a roll of gauze from you? I'm unfortunately quite clumsy, and I forgot to bring some in today..."

"Smith-san? Oh, well I'd be happy to help!" She smiles graciously, doing a tiny jump that causes me to look idly towards the window. "-if your willing to help me with the paperwork after classes today, of course."

Of course there's a catch- wait... maybe I can get out of this. Er- "-Hm... could I help you with that tomorrow? Myself and some... friends are going to be trying to start up a Chess club, and I'd hate to miss our first meeting..." I rub the back of my head apologetically, smile on my lips as I do my best not to look more nervous than I already am

Luckily, she seems to buy it. "Oh, alright... but I better not hear you've lied to me mister! I'd be very upset if you did!" she pouts, poking me on the nose with a finger. Well, at least she somewhat bought it. Maybe?

I give a slight bow, my smile notably more genuine as the ditzy woman turns to one of the cabinets to grab one of the many rolls of Gauze from within. I don't know how a woman like this will survive if things go how I think they will, but I hope she will.

Of course, nothing is perfect. She's ditzy, and I'm a klutz with bad luck. So, of course, as soon as she turns to face me a series of unfortunate events begins. She trips on the edge of a nearby IV. At the same time, I take an instinctive step backwards and kick a similar IV stand, sending it tumbling towards me. It doesn't weigh much, but my balance and how packed my bag is results in me tumbling over.

With all the extra weight in my bag, I fall over quicker than the well endowed woman, my face hitting the floor painfully as I feel the beginning of a nosebleed coming. And that's all before the nurse abruptly lands atop me. If I was lying on my back, it wouldn't be as bad for obvious reasons, but it's become clear to me that I can't have nice things.

Acting as a cushion against a full grown woman falling on you hurts. "-oowwww..." I weakly manage, my face smushed against the floor as the Nurse doesn't get up, seemingly choosing to regain her bearings then and there as my nosebleed forms a small puddle of blood on the floor

"Oh, are you alright, Smith-san? I'm sorry- I should have been more careful!"

A thumbs up is my only response. There goes my sense of smell for the day. At least it happened in the nurses office.

Recovering from being smushed ended up taking way longer than I thought. Not because I didn't want to leave, but because Shizuka-Sensei - that's her name, by the way - didn't want me to leave until she thought I was fully recovered from my intimate meeting with the floor.

Understandable given how she's perceiving the situation, but still! End of the world, ETA; Imminent! I've gotta move, and move I shall! As soon as she stops smothering me with attention. I've caught more than a few jealous onlookers looking in from the windows as she places a bandage over the bridge of my nose.

"-Shizuka-Sensei. I'm fine, seriously." I nod confidently, glancing subtly to the clock. I'm running out of time to catch Emi before the 4th period begins.

"Are you really? But you said yourself your clumsy! I'd hate for you to trip and have to come back here again with your nose in a worse condition..." she complains, crossing her arms.

"Yes, really. Besides- Classes will be starting soon, and I've got things I need to get ready!"

Shizuka seemed to acquiesce the decision after a moment, finally placing the roll of gauze I desired in my hand "Oh, fine. Go on, enjoy your lunch."

"Thank you, sensei!" I bow, moving for the exit- although I pause at the door.

Do I tell her? Why am I even asking myself, I know I should. "-Shizuka-Sensei."

"Yes, Smith-San?"

How do I say this in a way that doesn't make me look insane?

Looking forward, I see that someone's trying to get into the nurses office. I'm technically blocking the door, but that's a them problem.

"You should check the news. There's been some disturbing reports, and I'd hate for you to get hurt." I nod confidently, glancing back to her.

"Oh? Well, I'll do that as soon as I can. Thank you, Smith-san!" she smiles, eyes closed. I don't even know if she was even paying attention, it's hard to tell with her some times, but I guess I'll see later if I see them stumbling around like a corpse.

I smile, giving her a brief wave and stepping out of the door, allowing the one who was waiting inside. I don't try to apologise to them, simply rushing off to the canteen.

No luck. Not due to a lack of trying, but more because I simply don't know Emi well enough to piece together where she might be. Showing up to class after missing the prior one also isn't a very good idea, so I can't do that, and catching her outside one of the lessons might be a bit too late.

So, I've unfortunately failed on that front. If things kick off today, that is. By now, it's the fifth period and I've all but given up. I'm about ready to get to the roof and simply wait to see if anything happens when I run into one of the very few other people I know.

Takagi. Now, from what I know, she's kind of... hostile. Should I bother saying anything? She's not hostile by any means, hell her parents employ mine, but I don't know anything other than her name-

"Hey! Idiot. Move out of the way, not blocking me is the least you can do if your skipping classes" She spits out venomously, shaking her head- twin pink pigtails moving in time with her head.

I really shouldn't retort to that. But her attitude was rubbing me the wrong way, and by lord I needed an outlet for the stress I was bottling up. I don't move, but rather reach around and pull a can of Coca-Cola from my bag, offering it to her.

"There's some irony in your words. Want a drink, Takagi-san?" I offer, holding out the 330ml can and stepping to one side- more than enough space provided for her to slip on by.

She scoffs, raising her nose like a haughty princess... and swiping the can out of my hand with one of her own "Hmph- well, at least your useful for something. Next time learn to walk on one side of the hallway, dumbass." She remarks snidely, moving past me and towards the exterior stairs of the building.

Honestly, I'm not too sure what I expected to happen offering one of my precious cans of liquid goodness to her. "I'll keep it in mind." I remark as she moves off, receiving naught but a harumph in response as I begin making my way to the roof.

It doesn't take long to reach, what with there being three access points to get up here, although rather than going to my usual spot by one of the air conditioning units, I move to the railing and begin looking around. The back of the school looks fine, the distant scenery painting a picturesque view some would die for, the sports field busy with activity as various students go about their P.E course. I think I was supposed to have P.E for my 5th period, so...

Glancing over those down there, I do eventually spot Emi and her small group of friends. Seems they're all right, which is a slight relief given my earlier failure to find her and her friends. Thinking on it, they're probably the people she's starting up the Chess Club with.

Moving to the right, I skirt the edge of the railing and see much of the same, although it's when I get a good view of the front of the school that I know something is wrong. Oh, so very wrong.

There's a man at the front gate, banging against it blindly- fires blazing in the distance as the distant sound of sirens just barely hits my ears amongst the sound of the wind billowing through the trees, streets and rooftops.

Teachers are approaching him, and I don't dare look- running for the stairs once more as something icy cold grips my heart. Fear. I've got to warn Emi while I still can. There's a brief window, there must be!

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, the intercom crackles to life. I don't even need to hear the man on the other end say anything to know just what he was going to say.

It's here, and there's not a damn thing we can do about it.

First chapter done! I can't say I'm too proud of it, but I'd like to think I did pretty well writing it up. Next up; the beginning of canon in earnest. Now, I'm still unsure on just how close I want to run to Canon, or if I want Smith to stick with the main group much or not, but I'm open for suggestions!