Sup!
How's life lads? Its been a while.
We left off at a somewhat interesting ending last chapter, let's see what happens from there!
Start:
Much like how it was for Takashi, things initially appeared to be the same for Rei as her parents were not home. Naruto felt deeply for them, and putting aside his typically asshole kind of charisma, he could genuinely sympathize with their situation.
However, it was difficult to maintain that sympathy when every instinct of his was dialed into survival mode.
His senses were heightened, detecting something abnormal and menacing lurking in their proximity—not immediately close, but disturbingly present somewhere.
Even as Rei discovered a note from her mother detailing plans to head to the nearby mall in hopes of finding safety with other survivors, Naruto couldn't join in the relief or celebration. His gaze narrowed, alert and primed for any sign of trouble.
The note, written just yesterday, was a beacon of hope for Rei, brightening her mood significantly as it suggested a possible reunion. Meanwhile, Naruto's unease grew. The atmosphere felt charged, a static of impending danger that tingled on his skin. He could almost taste the metallic tang of threat in the air, an invisible yet palpable presence that set his nerves on edge.
Soon enough, Alfred arrived at the front gate, the Humvee idling with no immediate threats visible. Yet, the sense of unease persisted. As everyone boarded the vehicle, Naruto caught Alfred's eye. The older man's expression was a mirror of his own concern—they both sensed the lurking danger.
"I should probably stay behind to divert whatever's out there away from you all," Naruto suggested calmly to the butler, his eyes scanning the quiet streets.
Alfred responded with a concerned frown, his voice both polite and firm. "Master Naruto, I must advise against that action. It is too risky to confront this unknown threat alone."
The ex-shinobi understood his point, but at the same time…
Naruto countered, his tone steady, "This threat, it seems particularly focused on me. Yesterday at the Takagi estate, I felt its killing intent sharply aimed in my direction. It's safer for the group if I draw it away."
Inside the Humvee, confusion and concern were evident on everyone's faces. Rei's frustration finally boiled over. "What the hell is going on? Why aren't you coming with us?"
Turning to address her directly, Naruto explained, "Something dangerous is out there, close to us. If I go with you to the mall, there's a good chance it'll follow you all. We can't risk leading it right to a survivor enclave."
Takashi, his voice laced with worry and disbelief, interjected, "Naruto, you're talking crazy. There might not even be any real danger. You could be sacrificing yourself for nothing."
Akeno stepped in, her voice calm but firm, "He's not imagining things, Takashi-Kun. I feel it too. There's something out there—something sinister and powerful. It's unsettling."
The vehicle fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. Suddenly, the distant groans of zombies grew louder, and Naruto spotted a large group amassing not far from them. "We don't have time to argue," he said urgently.
While very much against what the blonde's plan was, Alfred knew they didn't have much of a choice, he reluctantly nodded to the young man.
As Alfred started to drive away, Akeno shouted, "Wait!" She then quickly exited the Humvee, standing beside Naruto. "While you're right about attracting it away, you shouldn't be out here alone without any way to communicate."
The ex-shinobi, acknowledging the oversight, nodded. "Alright, we need to move—now."
Alfred eyed the two, his gaze lingering on his fellow Takagi agent. "Keep in touch, I'd like to retrieve you both as soon as possible." Having said what needed to be said, he drove off promptly.
As for Naruto and Akeno, they swiftly ran away in a different direction, and as they did so, the blonde could take comfort in knowing that whatever it was that was after them, it didn't know where specifically.
But who knows how long that would last.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Perhaps it was dumb luck, or maybe there was a God watching over them who wanted to make things easier for them, but whatever the case was, Naruto and Akeno had stumbled upon a bike in one of the neighboring homes they temporarily took shelter in after their mad bolt. The discovery was a relief, an unexpected boon in the midst of chaos.
The moment they deemed the house safe from any gray-skinned corpses, their first action was to scout for any sort of supplies. Methodically, they searched each room, gathering food, medical supplies, and anything else that could be of use.
Their bags filled quickly with the essentials they found scattered throughout the abandoned home. Once their scavenging was complete, they put the motorbike to good use.
It went without saying but…Naruto took the driver's seat with Akeno securing herself behind him.
As they rode towards the city, the breeze felt refreshing against their faces, a brief respite from the tension that had built up. They sped through the empty streets, the engine's growl a stark contrast to the eerie silence that enveloped the city.
Around them, the signs of destruction were impossible to ignore—shattered windows, overturned cars, and distant fires that still smoldered. Despite the devastation, they focused on the road ahead, expertly navigating through the debris.
Oddly enough, while driving, Naruto felt Akeno's hands experimentally explore his midsection. Her arms were wrapped around him securely, ostensibly to prevent falling off, but her touch seemed curious, almost comforting amidst the uncertainty.
He couldn't help but notice the peculiar timing of her gestures, but he chose not to comment, keeping his focus on the path ahead.
After a good stretch of driving, they agreed to stop at a building—a hotel famous in the city and one that promised to have much in the way of supplies, if they hadn't already been taken. They left the bike in a shadowy corner of the hotel's parking lot, ensuring it was well-concealed and out of sight. With their equipment checked and ready, the pair made their way towards the hotel lobby.
The hotel loomed large and imposing before them, its once-grand entrance now marred by signs of the struggle that had taken place. Glass lay shattered across the marbled floor of the lobby, and the dim interior was a maze of overturned furniture and scattered belongings.
Naruto and Akeno entered cautiously, their senses heightened for any signs of danger or the undead.
They moved through the lobby with practiced ease, checking behind counters and inside offices for anything useful. Akeno found a set of keys on a hook behind the reception desk—keys that could open valuable storage rooms or even secure suites where survivors might have left behind supplies.
With the keys in hand, they proceeded to the upper floors, each step on the stairwell echoing ominously through the hollow corridors.
The silence was thick, punctuated occasionally by the distant sound of something—or someone—moving in the depths of the hotel. Naruto's hand rested on the hilt of a blade he'd found, ready to draw it at the first sign of trouble.
He shared a look with his companion and she nodded, understanding what he wished to convey without words.
As they ascended, the signs of previous struggles became more apparent. Doors were barricaded, some forcefully opened, others still sealed shut. The air was heavy with the smell of decay, a stark reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded in this place.
Reaching the third floor, they began checking rooms. Each suite provided a snapshot of the life that had been abruptly disrupted. In one, a suitcase lay half-packed, its contents spilling out as if someone had left in a hurry. In another, non-perishable food items were stacked neatly on a counter, untouched and waiting.
Naruto and Akeno worked efficiently, collecting everything of use while keeping a watchful eye on the shadowy hallways. Their communication was minimal but effective, a nod or a gesture enough to convey their intentions. The trust between them, forged in the heat of survival, was silent but strong.
…
...
Suddenly, Naruto froze, his eyes widening as he picked up an ominous sound. An accumulation of groans, like a distant storm growing louder, caused his heart to skip a beat. Without a word, he quickly stepped away from Akeno, moving towards the corridor to investigate, leaving her confused and worried.
Peeking out past the doorway, the sight that met his eyes was staggering—on either end of the hallway, two massive hordes of undead shuffled towards the center.
There were so many of them that the hallway was choked, the walls nearly obscured by the press of decaying bodies. The sheer number of them was utterly ridiculous, filling the space with a slow, inexorable tide of death.
"The fuck?" Naruto muttered under his breath, disbelief etching his features.
Questions quickly burned into the seat of his mind. How were there so many? Why are they here? Could they sense him?
So many questions, and not one answer.
Regaining his composure, He quickly retreated back into the room, closing the door with a soft click, his movements swift and silent. His gaze locked onto the worried Akeno. "We're trapped," he announced, his voice low and tense. "I don't know how, but on both sides of the hallway, we have two whole bloody and massive groups of undead cannibals squeezing the entire hallway."
Akeno's features blanched in horror and shock. "How did that happen?" she questioned, her voice a whisper of disbelief.
Naruto shook his head, frustration mingling with concern. "I don't know. But we can't barricade the door. Not only would the noise attract them, but once one of them starts to try getting in, it'll draw the others. Soon, all of them will be hammering at our door."
Regaining her professional composure, Akeno's eyes swept the room, searching for any advantage. "They can only respond to sound, so as long as we don't make any noise, we should be fine," she concluded, her voice steady despite the dire situation.
Naruto nodded, then added, "We should also hide, just in case."
Akeno looked puzzled for a moment before he explained further. "Something about this situation is fishy to me, the fact that this happened when we didn't generate any noise, and for it to happen all of a sudden… it's too strange. For all we know, the hoards here might be different from the rest. They might not just rely on noise, but maybe eyesight too."
Akeno bit her lip, worry creasing her brow. "Maybe smell as well," she murmured, considering the possibility.
It would at least explain how they had two different armies surrounding them from out of nowhere.
As the groans of the undead grew deafeningly loud, signaling their rapid approach, Naruto and Akeno's search for a sanctuary became desperate. The corridor outside echoed with the sound of shuffling feet and the ominous creak of straining wood—the undead were near, and every second mattered.
Amidst the chaos, Akeno spotted a potential lifeline on the nightstand—a large bottle of Nirvana perfume. Recognizing an opportunity, she seized the bottle without a moment's hesitation and began to spray its contents liberally around the room.
The rich, floral scent quickly permeated the air, masking their human odors with its overpowering fragrance. She drenched herself and Naruto, ensuring that no part of them was left uncovered. Her hands moved quickly, spritzing the perfume on the bed, blankets, and deep into the wardrobe.
"I hate to waste such good perfume," Akeno murmured to herself, her voice tinged with regret as she emptied the last of the bottle. "But we don't exactly have much of a choice." Her expression was resolute, focused on the survival strategy rather than the loss of the luxury item.
With the room now heavily scented, and them included, that at least took out the smell problem, assuming that the undead could suddenly smell them. Now… it was just the issue of sight.
They needed to secure a hiding spot.
Fortunately, the blonde had already found a good one.
Naruto took Akeno's hand, leading her to a large, sturdy wardrobe in the corner of the room. He grabbed a perfume-soaked blanket on the way, intending to use it as an additional layer of scent and sight camouflage.
As he opened the wardrobe closet, the increasing volume of the undead's moans filled the air, a cacophony of nightmarish sounds that seemed to vibrate through the very walls of the hotel. Depositing the supply bags, filled with food and water, first in one of the smaller empty areas of the wardrobe, the shelves above. The pair soon followed suit.
Akeno slipped into the narrow confines of the wardrobe first, pulling the blanket with her before Naruto joined, squeezing in beside her, the confines of their hiding place having him pressed back first against the cool, hard cedar of the wardrobe.
The space was snug, their bodies aligned in an unintentionally intimate embrace—Akeno's breasts pressed tightly against his chest, her breath quick, close, and quiet on his neck. And their legs intertwined awkwardly as they maneuvered for room, creating a tangled maze of limbs that left little distinction between where one ended and the other began.
The heavy scent of the Nirvana perfume enveloped them, a sharp contrast to the adrenaline and underlying fear that tinged their presence, blending into a potent mixture of survival instinct and unintended closeness.
With them now somewhat comfortable and well hidden, Naruto's hand sneaked out of the blanket and pulled the doors of the closet closed just as the chilling sound of splintering wood tore through the relative silence of the room—the suite's door gave way under the relentless force of the undead horde.
And zombies poured into the room in masses, their grotesque forms stumbling clumsily as they invaded the space. The air was immediately filled with the stench of decay, which thankfully was somewhat muted by the heavy floral notes of Nirvana still lingering in the air.
Beneath the blanket, Naruto and Akeno lay perfectly still, barely daring to breathe. The wardrobe offered a thin veil of protection, the scent of the perfume their only armor against the keen senses of the horde. Each moan, each scrape of a foot, and each bump against the wardrobe closet sent shivers down their spines, the fear palpable and heavy in the confined space.
Naruto's hand rose up, taking the walkie-talkie strapped to the side of Akeno's hips before he turned off the power. They didn't need it to suddenly buzz as they were hiding.
They didn't know how long they'd be forced to remain here, but if they were to survive, caution was key to their survival.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Time-skip: Three-four hours later.
As the minutes stretched on, the initial tension that had gripped Naruto and Akeno began to wane. Though they still felt a lingering apprehension, a budding sense of resolve fortified them against the fear. The only thing keeping them confined in the cramped wardrobe was the continuous drone of groans echoing through the room—signs that the horde of undead remained close by.
It was wiser to wait for the mob to disperse slowly on its own.
Despite the far-from-ideal situation, Akeno's quick thinking had ensured they had water and some food to tide them over. They could wait, and if push came to shove, Naruto was confident in his ability to devise a plan for their escape.
But for now, it was simply the waiting game for them. And truthfully, Naruto had no issue being squeezed inside a closet with a highly attractive woman.
Nope… no issues here.
In the dim light and close quarters of their hideout, Akeno leaned closer, her body still pressed firmly against his. Her breath was warm against his ear as she whispered, "Any ideas on how we might get out of this?"
Naruto's response was just as quiet, his voice a low murmur in her ear, "Not yet, but I'm working on it. Don't worry though, I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
And he genuinely meant it. While he hadn't had the chance to voice it out, the ex-shinobi was actually touched that she left the safety of the Humvee in order to help him. Naruto wasn't going to forget that anytime soon.
Akeno stifled a giggle, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and something deeper. "You know, saying things like that in our current situation might just make me fall in love with you."
She pulled back slightly, allowing Naruto a clear view of her face. Her gaze held a level of sultriness that took him aback. It was disarming, unexpected, and entirely captivating in the dim, cramped space of their makeshift sanctuary.
Naruto quickly gathered his composure, though his heart raced at her words. "Tits, now's not the time," he managed to say, trying to inject a light, teasing tone to diffuse the tension.
Her grin turned sinfully playful. "We can be quiet," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief and defiance against the dire straits they found themselves in. She leant in once more and with a bold confidence, nibbled his ears before pulling back with a mischievous grin.
Seeing as she was insistent to tease, the blonde decided to feed her own medicine.
"Eeep." Akeno squealed.
The noise would have attracted the cannibals outside had Naruto not quickly covered her mouth with his hand just in time.
Now what was it exactly that caused her to squeal?
It was namely the fact that Naruto had snaked his other hand past her hip to grab and pinch one of the full and round cheeks of Akeno's enormous ass. A silent warning to show that he could easily tease her just the same as she was attempting with him.
Removing his hand from her face and barely quelling a huff, Akeno glared at him, but Naruto wasn't too concerned and was laid back as he spotted the tinge of pink on her cheeks even with the lack of light in their current setting.
The perks of possessing a chakra-powered biology. Even if said biology was damaged. Though how she managed to see him… well that, Naruto was going to attribute to the author.
"Asshole." She muttered in a playful vindication. "Has anyone told you that it's rude to pinch a woman's ass without her permission?"
Naruto smirked smugly. "Has anyone told you that it's rude to nibble a man's ear without his permission?"
…
…
Akeno pouted, having failed to come up with any rebuttals, and Naruto grinned at the small victory.
Unfortunately, their moment of fun had to come to an end eventually.
Suddenly, the moment of calm was shattered by an unexpected, jarring noise that pierced the relative silence—a loud gunshot, unmistakably close, its echo thunderous in the confined space of the hotel.
Instantly, the room outside erupted in a cacophony of groans and screeches. The zombies, startled by the sudden intrusion of noise, began to react. More gunshots followed, rapid and unrelenting, each blast a beacon calling the undead away from their door.
Naruto and Akeno froze, their breaths held, their bodies tense as the room vibrated with the sound of the undead being drawn towards the source of the disturbance. With each shot, the moans intensified, then gradually began to thin out as the zombies filtered out of the room, drawn like moths to a flame towards the gunfire.
In the cramped darkness of the wardrobe, Naruto and Akeno remained absolutely still, their breaths shallow as the sound of gunfire continued outside.
Slowly, the room began to quiet, the groans of the undead fading until silence engulfed the space. They waited, counting each heartbeat, each tick of an invisible clock until they were certain the immediate danger had passed. Even then, they lingered a minute longer, ensuring the room was truly devoid of threats.
Finally, Akeno cautiously reached for the walkie-talkie strapped to her side, her movements deliberate and quiet.
She turned it on, the soft click of the button sounding unnaturally loud in the silent room. Holding the device close to her lips, she whispered into it, her voice barely audible, "Alfred, are you there?"
Naruto, ever vigilant, had already pulled out his combat knife, ready to defend them should any remnants of the undead decide to make an appearance. His eyes scanned the dimly lit confines of their hideout, senses on high alert.
The walkie-talkie buzzed to life, Alfred's familiar voice breaking through the static, bringing a wave of relief to them both. "Miss Akeno, Master Naruto, where have you been? Are you both alright?"
Akeno responded quickly, her words rushed but clear, "We were trapped, but we're good now."
"Very glad to hear that, Miss Akeno," Alfred's voice conveyed both relief and concern.
Just as Akeno made to exit the wardrobe, Naruto's hand shot out, stopping her with a firm grip. He pointed at the walkie-talkie, his expression tense. Understanding his caution, Akeno whispered into the device, "I'll speak to you later, Alfred," before turning it off.
She faced Naruto, confusion clear in her wide amethyst eyes. But as she searched his face, she saw his features set in a mask of rigid tension.
Just as she was about to question Naruto, she felt it too—a monstrous presence, wicked and vile, an aura so suffocating it seemed to drain the air from the room.
Then… she began to hear it.
Thud!
Thud!
THUD!
The thudding of heavy, ominous footsteps began, at first distant, but growing steadily louder and more menacing with each passing second. Akeno swallowed hard, her throat tight with fear.
Naruto raised a finger to his lips, signaling for absolute silence. His other hand found hers, a calming presence in the growing storm of dread. Akeno gripped his hand tightly, drawing comfort from his unwavering composure as the unsettling sound of the approaching beast filled the room.
Her stomach flipped unpleasantly, her nerves stretched taut like a string ready to snap. Despite her anxiousness, she steeled herself, drawing out her pistol and waiting, ready to leap and strike if and when threatened.
The thudding was unbearably close now, each footfall resonating like a drumbeat of doom. They could hear a monstrous panting—harsh, ragged breaths that seemed to mock the very essence of life. And soon enough, the creature entered the room, its presence like a dark cloud overshadowing any remaining light.
Naruto released Akeno's hand and silently drew his second knife, holding both with a deadly precision that belied his calm exterior. The beast let out a low, guttural growl, a sound that seemed dredged up from the deepest pits of a nightmare. It was a chilling, soul-shaking noise that vibrated through the room.
Both Naruto and Akeno tensed further, their bodies poised for action, though they remained hidden. The creature paused, its growling softening into a series of disturbing, searching sniffs. It was as if it could sense their presence but not pinpoint their location.
Then, as suddenly as it had entered, the creature turned and walked away. Its heavy footsteps stomped on the floor, each step a threat that seemed to cause the very suite to tremble with rage. The door swung shut behind it with a thud that echoed ominously through the now quiet room.
Naruto and Akeno remained motionless, hardly daring to breathe.
The danger had receded, but the shadow of what they had just experienced lingered, a stark reminder of the horrors lurking just beyond their fragile sanctuary. They waited, counting the minutes, until the oppressive feeling of the creature's presence faded into the distance. Only then did Naruto speak, his voice a soft whisper that barely disturbed the silence.
"We need to move, and soon. Whatever that was, might come back and it's too dangerous to stay here.
Akeno nodded silently in agreement.
Cautiously, they emerged from their cramped refuge, stepping into the dimly lit room.
Naruto moved ahead, his movements fluid and cautious. He approached the doorway and leaned slightly to peer down the hallway, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement. The corridor was eerily empty, a ghostly quiet hanging over the place where chaos had reigned just moments before. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Akeno joined him at the doorway, the bags filled with their hastily gathered supplies held tightly in her hands. Naruto reached out and took one of the bags from her, easing the burden. With a mutual nod, they stepped into the hallway, their footsteps silent against the old carpet.
They made their way to the stairwell, each step carefully placed to avoid any sound. The stairwell was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced around them as they descended. The silence was oppressive, filled only by the soft echo of their cautious steps.
Eventually, they reached the parking lot. The air was cooler here, the open space a stark contrast to the claustrophobic interiors they had just navigated. They walked quickly across the tarmac to where they had left the bike, hidden in a shadowy corner.
Naruto helped Akeno onto the bike first, watching as she secured herself and then wrapping her arms around his midsection. He swung a leg over the bike, settling in front of her. With a turn of the key, the engine roared to life, shattering the silence of the night.
The noise was immediate and loud, a stark declaration of their presence. In response, a monstrous bellow—a sound that seemed torn from the depths of a nightmare—echoed through the parking lot and the entire building, chilling them both to the bone.
"That's our cue," Naruto said, his voice steady despite the ominous sound. He revved the engine, the bike vibrating beneath them with pent-up energy.
With a final glance at the dark corners of the parking lot, Naruto kicked the bike into gear. The tires screeched against the asphalt as they took off, the engine growling like a beast unleashed. Behind them, the monstrous bellow faded into the distance, a haunting reminder of the dangers they had narrowly escaped.
End.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, this one isn't as long as the rest, but it certainly was the most intense one of all.
I did want to write more but there wasn't really much I could add in this chapter unfortunately.
That said, I made this as good as can be. The chapter after that will be possibly even more nerve-wrecking so look forward to it lads!
More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Anyway, that's all for today, take care people.
Peace.