Day-Z. 15:55. Fujimi Academy. In front of the gate.
The crazy day at the academy continues. In the last hour, there has been a murder, a dismemberment, a molestation, an autopsy, and an internal organ being ripped out – and that's just a small part of what's happened so far. And there are still eight hours to go. Who knows what other unbelievable events might happen in that time?
"The most important film in the history of the zombie horror genre, Night of the Living Dead cost just over $110,000 to make and earned around $30 million. Its success made zombies a worldwide phenomenon that still brings in big money to filmmakers today. Interesting and well-known facts about zombies #7."
"Shut up... Just shut up. Enough of your zombies. I'm sick of it already..."
"Let him talk. At least some leisure in such a boring job."
"Deadman" continued to expound on the obvious facts about zombies for ten minutes, despite Teacher Ohara's pleas for him to stop. However, once "Deadman" started talking about zombies, he couldn't stop until he got tired. And Deputy Ichijo, who was simply bored, listened attentively, showing a slight irony.
"Before the movie "Night of the Living Dead" zombies were associated with voodoo magic, and not with living corpses thirsting for flesh. Zombies before 1968 were people controlled by a mystical force, after 1968 they were the living dead. And after 2002, the theme of infected zombies became popular. However, we cannot exclude from this the novel by Richard Matheson "I Am Legend" from 1954, which inspired Romero and was a pioneer in the genre of apocalypse with monsters. Although there are not zombies, but rather vampires and especially intelligent ones, but the theme of a virus and mutation was certainly popularized by Matheson. Not the most obvious fact about zombies #3."
"Tell me something useful that might be useful in our situation." Ichijo switched the channel on the Deadman radio.
The "Deadman" with a jacket thrown over his bare top seemed to be just waiting for these words. He stood up to his full height - 182 centimeters - and proudly began to share his knowledge about zombies.
"The most important thing that you should never forget is that if you want to kill a zombie, aim for the head. This is a rule that does not apply only in the case of "Return of the Living Dead", where the zombies are too brutal. But this is not the case with us. There is also an exception in the form of living infected, but they are even easier to kill, and this is not the case with us again. On the one hand, this is good, but on the other hand, there is a risk that the dead come back to life after the death of a person, and not only because of infection with some substance or mystical force. This can become a big problem. Because in this case, the apocalypse will not stop until all the corpses are taken under control for subsequent cremation."
"Are you saying that zombies become zombies after death, not after being bitten?"
"It's possible. But now we can talk about the main thing. The most dangerous characteristic of all the living dead is their numbers and speed. In all the movies, a crowd is always dangerous. In most cases, it's easy to deal with one dead person. As for speed, there's one problem. If the zombies are fast, then we're finished, but then it'll be logical, how can the living lose to them. If they're slow, then it's easy to survive. Even the apocalypse won't begin in full. But then the logic and horror of what's happening breaks down to hell."
Ichijo and Ohara listened in silence to the "Deadman's" most suffocating lecture about the zombie apocalypse until they were finally saved by student reinforcements.
"Hello, kids. You've been here a long time."
"Hm?" - "Deadman" turned around and saw three familiar faces of second-year students. It was clear from their faces that they were not happy to see him. Just like he himself. - "Oh, it's you." - "Deadman" turned back to the teachers, completely ignoring the new listeners. - "Let's continue our lecture. The next topic is tanks and armored vehicles, and why they are a complete counter to meat bags with bones."
"What the hell are you doing here? What kind of nonsense are you talking about?" Takashi was on edge after all the news on the news.
"The context is long to explain. It's better to wait for more people, so as not to repeat myself several times... And now let's continue. The best weapon against zombies is... No, not a firearm, because it's hard to get. But spears. With long sticks we can keep zombies at a distance, knock them down on their backs and only then shoot holes in their heads. Long sticks are imba."
The trio had no desire to start an argument and continue the conflict with the "Deadman". Hisashi, without taking his suspicious gaze off the guy, approached the teachers and asked them about the matter.
"Takagi sent us to the gate urgently without explaining why. Did you find out anything?"
"Well, how can I say it..." – Ohara himself did not fully understand what was going on here.
"Ask the boy. He's the one who runs the show here." Ichijo, in turn, turned the arrow to the "Deadman."
"Can you tell me everything? I don't trust him. There are some reasons." Hisashi said.
"The karate guy is right. They definitely won't believe me. It's better to wait for Sai to confirm my words." - "Deadman" responded with mutual hostility. Although on his part it was more temporary childishness, because in fact the karate guy had the right to be angry with him, but he didn't. If someone had captured his girlfriend and groped her, he didn't know what bad he would have done to that person.
"Are you afraid of looking like a clown like in the toilet?" Rei teased him with a grin on her face. She approached him to see his reaction, but he took a step away from her. She approached him again, and he again moved away to a safe distance. "Why are you moving away from me? Don't you want to answer for your words?"
"The first and last time our excessive closeness ended badly for both of us. I don't want to play with fate again. Insult me and laugh at me from a distance of 3 meters. Your friends are already burning me with their eyes."
Rei exhaled tiredly and looked gloomily at the "Deadman".
"Stop mumbling and avoiding the question. Act like a normal man and be responsible for your words yourself. I remember very well what you said in the toilet, and I want to see evidence. You actually owe me one."
"I will humbly accept blows with a long stick or even a bat. I did not promise any proof. It seems... Let more people come, then I will tell everything. I do not want to repeat myself to each person separately." - said "Deadman", looking straight into Rei's eyes with a serious and rude look, which sent shivers down her spine.
"Okay. Let's wait. Just stop avoiding me like the plague. I still have a grudge, but I can control myself and won't hit without warning at a critical moment." - Rei tried to come to peace. Still, she almost forgot about the incident in the toilet, after one fateful call.
"But they can hit," he pointed to her friends, who completely agreed with him. "Not much longer... Oh God, not them." As soon as he saw familiar faces, he immediately turned away from sin.
Rei turned curiously to where "Deadman" was looking and saw a group of three students. Two of them looked like troublemakers: one with long hair and a T-shirt that said "bad" and a tall guy with a bandana and a regular school uniform. The third had blond hair slicked back and light green eyes. All three of them walked quickly towards them.
"Yo! Why are you all gathered here in such a crowd?"
"Imamura? Morita? And why did you come here?" Takashi immediately recognized the student with long hair and the student with blond hair.
"We were skipping classes and suddenly saw an unusual group of people. Interest and curiosity were aroused," Imamura replied.
"And they just dragged me along for the ride, like a third wheel," Morita added with an ironic smile.
"Oops! Is that you, "Deadman"? Or am I just imagining things after the cigarettes?" Imamura recognized his friend, but didn't notice the two teachers nearby.
"Ahem, ahem. It seems we have a full confession of a serious violation, Teacher Ohara." Ichijo looked at the student with a stern expression.
"Ehe-he... I was actually joking, teacher."
"Of course. The joke worked the first time."
Imamura and the student in the bandana approached the "Deadman" to greet him with handshakes.
"Still smoking, idiots? Ken, I remind you that you periodically experience severe shortness of breath. Do you want to get asthma?"
"I only have one a day," the brute replied with a little shame.
Ken and Imamura knew well how meticulous their friend could be in terms of health. They even limited their bad habit to 1 cigarette a day. Although this was too much for their teenage lungs, but "Deadman" understood that He could not force them to do more.
"So what's all the fuss about?" Imamura returned to the topic.
"I'll tell you later. And show you. When more people come."
Imamura wanted to continue interrogating his friend, but his face was too creepy, like a Deadman's, even more so than usual. The hooligans decided to remain silent.
Little by little, more and more people came. The next one to come was a tall girl for a Japanese girl, with straight and shiny purple hair down to her hips with a triangular fringe in the front that barely touched the bridge of her nose, with blue eyes. Unlike many of the other students, she wore a decent skirt below the knees. As the captain of the kendo club at Fujimi High School, Saeko Busujima was well known to many students. She even held a practice sword in her hands. She was also a classmate of "Deadman", Imamura, and Ken.
"Greetings to everyone. I see quite a few people have gathered. That means it's important. My name is Saeko Busujima, nice to meet new faces!" Saeko greeted everyone politely and learned the names of everyone present before approaching the "Deadman" and greeting him personally in their own manner. "Hello, Ikuta. You're late today. It's not like you." Her voice was both reproachful and curious, and her light, friendly smile quickly faded when she got a better look at his face. Well, after she heard his voice, her curiosity took on a note of alarm.
"Hello, Busujima. Overslept. Watched a horror movie. Not really scary. Today is much scarier."
"Will you tell me?"
"Let's wait for more people. I hope they will come. I don't want to tell and show some things several times."
Literally after his words, two more people approached the group. Saya was practically kicking a short, plump guy, Kohta Hirano, whose uncertainty and anxiety were considered in his eyes under rectangular glasses. Although in his hands he was holding a homemade nail gun modified into a weapon. And Saya, in turn, was carrying a bag with unknown contents. By the way, "Deadman" noticed that she was wearing glasses. She was even cuter in them. But now was not the time to think about cuteness.
Saya and Kohta stood in front of the "Deadman", and the first one reported to him for some reason:
"Two more have arrived. Surprisingly, the fat one has shown interesting skills in creating interesting structures."
"Hello, Ikuta-senpai... How are you?" - shyness didn't suit the second-year student's face, but it was understandable.
"Hey, Kohta. Stand up straight and proud. You're practically holding a firearm, so at least feel strong with it." - a little advice to cheer up a potentially useful and dangerous team member never hurts.
"Is everyone here, kid?" Ichijo was already tired of waiting for more teenagers.
"So, then... Three in the first batch..." - "Deadman" pointed at Rei, Takashi and Hisashi. - "Two of mine, plus a random dude..." - he pointed at Imamura, Ken and Morita. - "A classmate with a sword..." - Saeko was standing nearby. - "Plus two four-eyes..." - time for Kohta and Saya. The latter frowned, but said nothing. - "Plus me and two teachers. Twelve people in total. Not bad. Now we can tell the news... Let's start from the booth. Takagi, do you still have the ammonia?"
"Yeah, yeah. I know what this is about. Just show me already. The rest is on me."
"Great. Follow me."
While "Deadman" led everyone to the door of the security booth, Takashi asked Saya about her connection with the person unpleasant to him and Hisashi.
"Takagi, do you know him?"
"We just met today," – Saya answered briefly.
"You should be careful with him. He's dangerous. You haven't seen what he's capable of."
"I know what I did. I confessed it myself. Rei, I hope you didn't suffer too much at his hands." Saya addressed Rei with modest but sincere support in her voice.
"Thanks for your concern. But I'm fine, honestly... He didn't do anything serious. Nothing..." - Rei's face showed slight concern for a reason that was unclear to her.
The "Deadman" took hold of the door handle and, just in case, asked everyone:
"What you are about to see may shock you greatly. This is not a sight for the faint of heart. Does anyone want to leave?"
"Come on, show me already! You've already started the intrigue!" - Imamura was simply curious about what kind of terrible thing his friend could show.
"Nobody forced you to say that." - "The Deadman" opened the door with force and revealed the body of Teacher Teshima lying on the floor. At first, few understood what the joke was. But no one was blind enough not to notice the huge wound on his arm and a small pool of blood under his head.
Rei was the first to realize it all, remembering the words of the "Deadman." She could have been more horrified than anyone else because of her character, if she hadn't involuntarily begun to believe his story back there in the closed stall of the men's room. Now she was left to be horrified not by the teacher's corpse, but by whether the boy's other words were true.
Behind her was Takashi, who was convinced that he hadn't imagined it on the stairs. Was he happy about it? More no than yes.
Saeko, on the other hand, showed only humble surprise and curiosity. She was interested in what exactly had happened to the teacher, and what Ikuta had to do with it.
The rest showed more predictable shock and horror. Some didn't even believe what they saw. For example, Imamura.
"And what kind of joke is this? "Deadman", you certainly have specific habits and hobbies, but not to this extent! Ha-ha..."
"Teacher Teshima was bitten. As you can see, the wound is serious. Then he sort of "lost consciousness". Afterwards, he suddenly woke up and attacked Teacher Hayashi. I was there and managed to hold him back. But due to some serious reasons, I had to smash his skull. Now, you can rightly think that I killed Teacher Teshima. That's how things are with us." - "Deadman" did not know how to joke, and now he did not even look like he was in a joking mood.
No one had the words to comment on this. Everyone was digesting what they had seen.
"Does anyone need some smelling salts? Better smell them now, because it won't get any better later. Some of you might be wary of me as a murderer. Especially you two." The "Deadman" pointed at Takashi and Hisashi, who instinctively stood in front of Rei. They realized exactly what this madman was capable of. "But I assure you all that I have a mitigating circumstance that will change your opinion of me and at the same time terrify you for another reason. Takagi, get the glove. It's in my bag."
"Go get the glove yourself. I will never touch it. Especially since I don't know where your bag is, you fool. And don't you dare order me around, you idiot." - Saya deftly dodged the issue, insulting the "Deadman" twice along the way.
"Exactly. I forgot that you were given glasses for a reason. However, even with them you can't see..." - "Deadman" walked lazily towards the body of the tied up man hidden in the shadows and picked up a completely black imitation leather bag lying nearby. - "An ordinary bag. With glasses."
"What did you just yelp, blockhead? Instead of childish barbs, it would be better if you finally showed everyone a man." - Saya, offended by the impudence, nevertheless joined the next performance of "The Deadman".
Everyone approached the man and the "Deadman" with caution, expecting the worst. But, to their temporary relief, the former seemed alive, as he twitched and moved.
"Friends, meet Shaun!"
"Why did you give "this" a name, sick man?" Saya was horrified by such a performance.
"I'm tired of calling him just "the man" or "the tied up man". Why Shaun? Just for fun. I'll explain the irony later."
"Better explain the situation already... Everyone is waiting."
"Okay. Friends, notice three things. Shaun has no pulse. No matter how much you touch his artery, you will not feel a pulse. He also has no breathing. No matter how hard you try, you will not find that either."
Of course, no one took his word for it, but only Saeko and Rei dared to check his words. The first knew her classmate well and his impeccable honesty, while the second, on the contrary, wanted to make sure that his words were wrong, and at the same time bury any manifestations of faith and strange feelings for this "man" in the depths of her soul. However, all her attempts collapsed into oblivion when the hands of both girls did not feel either a pulse or breathing.
"What's that wound under his chest?" Saeko couldn't help but notice the bandages with a blood stain.
"This, Busujima, is my third argument in this debate about life and death. And the argument is in my bag. Who wants to take a chance and get a rubber glove with a surprise from here? The offer is valid for five seconds." - for the sake of interest, "Deadman" organized a small competition of courage.
He wasn't surprised when Saeko extended her hand, after all, she had a fighting spirit. But the fact that Rei did it at the same time was truly surprising. The "Deadman" even raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you bothering me?"
"Interest. And you owe me one. Remember." Rei said with a serious face.
"It's always like that. As soon as a man makes one big mistake, a woman clings to it with a death grip and begins to strangle him with morals and obligations until death. It would have been better if I had never met you three. There would have been fewer problems." - "Deadman" unexpectedly liked to joke and make fun of people. The apocalypse changes people. Before, it was boring and gloomy.
"It's mutual." Even though Rei said it, something faintly pricked inside her.
"Okay then. Take it out." He opened the bag and handed it to Rei. "No offense, Busujima. I'd be happy to give 'this' to you, but the girl is about to cry."
At this, Saeko only giggled quietly.
"Clown," Sai commented successfully on the guy's words.
Rei reached into the bag with slight caution. She first found notebooks and a pencil case, but it was unlikely that this was what the "Deadman" wanted to show. And finally she felt the elastic material. She pulled out beige rubber gloves. The weight was immediately felt and the volume was noticeable, which stretched the glove. Rei grabbed and crumpled this something out of curiosity. It felt slimy, soft and fleshy. A strange sensation. Rei untied the glove and looked inside. Lots of dark red.
"And... What is this?"
"Shaun's Heart"
"I see..." - after three seconds, Rei truly "understood" his words. Her pupils narrowed, and her hair stood on end. - "UGH!" - She threw up her glove and staggered back. Saeko caught the first one, and Saya, as expected, caught the second one.
"Be careful!"
Saeko had seen for herself what the "Deadman" had said. She hadn't touched or seen a human heart, of course, but from the pictures and logic of things, it was one. It wasn't hard for Saeko to connect the blood stain, the guy's words, and the heart in the glove. "And what do you want to tell us with this, Ikuta?"
"First of all, let everyone be convinced that I am not an empty talker. I do not want to return to this topic every time. Who else wants to touch and see the heart?"
After a minute of passing the human heart around among the guys, half of them wanted to throw up some of the contents of their stomachs.
"Since everyone is convinced of this, I will say it again. This is the heart of Shaun, i.e. this tied up man. I can remove the bandages, give you gloves and make you put your hand under his chest so that you can see that he has no heart inside. But he moves somehow. It is strange, right? Well, that is what I want to say. Gentlemen, the invasion of the living dead, or simply put - zombies, has begun. Perhaps even an apocalypse in the near future. Of course, this is stupid and unrealistic, since armies still have tanks and armored vehicles. But I am afraid that since the most implausible of all zombie invasion scenarios with the magical resurrection of the dead has come, then people in turn have become magically stupid. Such are the laws of the genre." - the expert expressed his opinion. The rest had to digest it.
"I confirm his words about the heart. He tore it out and pulled it out of the hole in front of me and the teachers. I can't believe it myself, but it's true. I checked." - Sai added weight to the words of "Deadman".
"What about common sense?..." Morita couldn't help but ask.
"Don't look for logic in a plot with the living dead. It's impossible under any circumstances. Only the movie "28 Days Later" and the "Resident Evil" series of games tried to bring zombies to logic and realism. It turned out well, especially with the first, but our case is completely different. Classic living dead of Grandpa Romero. It remains only to make sure of the speed of the zombies, the method of infection, the reason for turning and the weaknesses of these walking corpses. For example, this one was blind, and his tactile senses were dulled. I repeat once again, there is no superficial logic here. The dead just up and stood up. The most important thing to remember is three things. First, aim for the head to kill the dead. Second, do not let the zombies bite or injure you. If you are bitten on the finger or leg, then immediately cut off the infected body parts. Perhaps this will save you. Third, avoid crowds of the dead. One by one, most likely, it is easy to deal with, but the strength of zombies is in their inexplicable numbers. They always try to gather in groups. This is also a kind of law of the genre. You can find the rest of the rules for surviving in a zombie apocalypse in this book for only $9.99." - "Deadman" pulled out a black diary from his bag with a red letter Z on the entire cover. His friends recognized it immediately.
"This is a joke, right?... The whole class knows about your antics with the diary. This is just a successful and incredibly realistic prank! Right?" Imamura was sweating, not wanting to believe all this.
"Imamura... Did I ever know how to joke well?" Deadman joked about himself.
"No... Oh my god..."
"Fuck." Ken briefly and clearly expressed the opinion of everyone present.
"So what should we do now?" is the correct question from Saeko.
"Survive. And how to do it is already everyone's choice. You can just run away from school to find your family and look for a safe place with them. The risk is high. It's dangerous by car or even without it. You can just stay here and humbly wait for help from the police and authorities. Passive defense. Enough for the time being. You can take buses and everyone you want to save from school, and get the hell out of here, but there is little logic in this. The question: "Where to get?"; still remains open. You can tell everyone at school about the zombies and wait until many run away in fear and horror, and survive here. The place is well fenced and is located at a height. The zombies will take a long time to get here. I'm shocked how Shaun managed to get here and not fall off the hill. Personally, I will choose the last option, because it is the most productive and unusual. Although it would be much more interesting to repeat the plot of both "Dawn of the Dead" with the shopping center, but you still need to get there." – the guy finally started to drift in his thoughts about survival.
"Well, we'll try to find our relatives," Takashi said boldly.
"Good luck walking kilometers on foot in a city gripped by panic and filled with dead people. And by the way, you, Miyamoto, will need to change to more protective clothes then."
"For protection?" Rei guessed.
"Not only that. You're way too attractive and sexy in your school uniform." After these words, Rei became embarrassed, and Hisashi and Takashi frowned.
"Watch your words," Hisashi said menacingly.
"Here's what I want to say. In the Middle Ages, beautiful women were burned at the stake for witchcraft. During the zombie apocalypse, all beautiful women will be a tasty morsel for everyone. Can you imagine the stress, fear, tension? Many will probably go completely crazy when they have to kill their converted relatives and friends. There will be no laws or order. And many will do anything to somehow brighten up the last hours of their lives. For example, sleeping with a beautiful schoolgirl with big breasts is a tempting offer. A group with a beautiful woman will always attract attention. Now do you understand?"
The "Deadman" opened his diary to the page "Special survival rules for women" and pointed to rule #1: "You can't be beautiful in public."
Hisashi didn't respond to this. He silently admitted that "Deadman" was right in his judgment. He himself would not have guessed it before.
"This applies to all women. Especially beautiful ones, like Takagi and Busujima. Although one can only pity the one who tries to touch the latter. Instant castration is guaranteed." - there were no jokes, only facts. And from Saeko's stern look, it was clear that she would do exactly that to her offender. Although a little awkwardness slipped across her face. Rei, meanwhile, bashfully looked down, not understanding why exactly. Saya understood his words without unnecessary emotions, she simply blushed a little from the indirect compliment.
Surprisingly, everyone was still listening attentively to the words of the zombie movie fan. Even such a ridiculous fact about sexual preoccupation during the apocalypse. The "Deadman" wanted to continue his instructions to his new comrades, but they were interrupted by the roar of a car. A black sedan was driving straight from the school parking lot to the gate.
"Here come the first panickers, guys. Ohara and I will deal with the teachers. The students are on you."
Ichijo stood right in the middle of the gate and waited for the car to stop and for Teacher Takayama, a short, slightly overweight man with short blond hair, to get out. He quickly and nervously approached Ichijo.
"Let me through, Ichijo! I need to go to my family!"
"Have you called them? Maybe they are safe?"
"The wife and child should be at home! They are in danger until you are near them!"
As Saya told "Deadman", the principal did notify the school. Saya quoted his address quite accurately and quickly:
[Dear colleagues!
Please attend. We have received information about an emergency situation in the city. There are few details yet, but it is important that we remain calm and organized.
At this point, we have no reliable data on the nature of what happened, but there are recommendations from the authorities to limit movement and stay in safe places. Our school is now the safest place for all of us and our students.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
1. No one leaves the school premises until further notice. This applies to both staff and students. Your health and safety is our priority.
2. Keep your classrooms orderly. Maintaining a calm atmosphere among children is extremely important now. Make sure that children are occupied and feel safe.
3. Do not spread unconfirmed information. Panic is our worst enemy in this situation. If you have questions or concerns, please let me or our administrative team know.
4. Be prepared for possible changes to the schedule. We plan to hold additional meetings to adapt to the evolving situation.
I ask everyone to take this very seriously. We will definitely cope if we act in a coordinated and responsible manner. If you have students who are worried or need help, please notify the school psychologist immediately.
Remember, we are here to support each other. Let's show the kids an example of strength and organization.
Thank you for your attention.]
Saya had an excellent memory.
Well, Ichijo, meanwhile, realized that he couldn't convince Takayama. He had to call Director Kuro.
"First problem, Principal. Takayama wants to go to his family. Nothing can stop him. He'll cause a panic... Yeah. I see. Okay, I'll wait for your call." Ichijo turned off his phone and turned to Takayama. "Ten minutes. Wait until the students are gathered in the gym. We can't let anyone see a teacher abandoning students to their fate. It'll cause panic and a drop in morale. Can you wait those ten minutes?"
Takayama wanted to object and force his way through, but his ardor was stopped by the pistol he pulled out of his pants. He silently agreed to the compromise.
"Leave the car here. It will be a barricade for the others. Guys, let's talk for a minute."
Having gathered the entire dozen in a circle, Ichijo began the discussion from the most important point on the agenda:
"I'm going to take the bus to get Takayama. There's not much food at school. A couple of vending machines won't feed five hundred people. It won't even be enough for this day. And a hungry crowd is much more aggressive than a well-fed one. The principal will send people here to replace them. I suggest you come with me. I won't force anyone. But in these ten minutes, you'd better all find a weapon. It doesn't matter whether you go or stay to guard the gate."
While everyone was thinking, "Deadman" without any hesitation became the first volunteer and even explained himself.
"Sean alone is not enough to judge the zombie situation. Two more examples, and we can judge the globality of the catastrophe. It is necessary to put an end to the zombie topic."
Everyone else volunteered to follow him. Even Saya dared to go on a sortie.
"We'll meet here in ten minutes. Ohara will bring the bus. Hirano, right? You already have a weapon. You'll keep me company on the lookout. Weapons and protection. Don't be late."
Everyone split into groups and went to school. They had little time, but a lot of work and tasks.
Day-Z. 16:21.
"Deadman" was in a group with Saeko, Imamura and Ken. They were all heading to the school dojo, where the "samurai" suggested they stop by for kendo equipment.
At first they walked outside, so as not to encounter the extra eyes of students and teachers. But they still had to enter the school walls, so as to enter the dojo in the least noticeable and suspicious way. As they walked, the "Deadman" could see the emotions on the faces of other students. Doubt, worry, fear, irritation, indifference, boredom - such different reactions to the words about the emergency. I wonder what range of emotions they will experience when they find out about the living dead? 'Probably shit their pants from horror.' - as the "Deadman" thought in a joking manner, but perhaps the joke could be true.
Getting to the dojo was not a problem. The biggest problem was to pack and carry several sets of 7-kilogram kendo gear. You can also grab yourself a shinai and bokken as weapons. Ken and "Deadman" decided to carry three sets of gear each, Imamura - two each, Saeko - eight training swords, she left hers near the gate. Before leaving, "Deadman" decided to use the sink and wash off the dried blood on his hand.
"Looking at you like that, it seems like you've been on a battlefield. All sweaty, bruised, and covered in someone else's blood." Saeko's comment confused the guy a little, but he still answered.
"It's not after the battle yet. It's after the brawl. Once we leave for the city, the real battle will begin." The blood was washed off his elbow, and he was about to return to his friends, but Saeko stopped him with a question.
"What did you feel when you killed Teshima?"
"The Deadman" was surprised by such a question, because he had almost forgotten about the teacher, but after thinking a little, he was able to find the right words.
"At first I thought about my own safety. I instinctively knew that I had to kill a dangerous teacher. When I did it, doubts did not immediately overwhelm me, at first I thought about the safety of the school and sent the teachers to call for help. But after that I had time to think. Was I doing the right thing? Was I being too cruel? Could I have done it differently? The uncertainty continued until I ripped out Shaun's heart. Then I was convinced that I had done everything right."
"Did you feel... satisfaction?" Saeko's question was vague, but Deadman could understand the message.
"To be honest... It was a little nice that I was able to win in a fight with death. Satisfaction? More yes than no. A strange feeling... But I think you yourself will soon feel the same when you meet and kill the dead."
"You're probably right…"
Day-Z. 16:30. In front of the school gates.
A sedan and two buses were ready to leave the school grounds. Three adults and ten teenagers were ready to leave.
In terms of weapons, they had: 8 training swords, 5 bats, 4 handles, a hook, an axe, a nail gun, two hammers, three long screwdrivers and a short-barreled revolver. In terms of protection, they had 8 full sets of kendo gear. Kohta and Saya lacked protection, so it was decided to leave them on the bus for cover and to write in the diary. The "Deadman" struggled with his greed and shame, but still gave Z's Diary to the girl in glasses for scientific research. Teachers Ichijo and Ohara were driving. They locked Shaun in the guard booth where Teshima was lying. It seemed everything was ready to go.
"Can we leave?" The "Deadman" was eager to return to the city streets.
"The director was supposed to send two more. I just see one person."
"A woman? Who..." - The "Deadman's" worst fears were confirmed when he noticed the familiar, sun-bright hair of a person dear to him. "Oh, no... Why?..."
"A medic and a second driver for the bus wouldn't hurt. Don't even argue. Be patient." Ichijo answered pragmatically.
Shizuka Marikawa, carrying a large first aid bag, walked slowly towards them. But when she noticed the group of people, she smiled, quickened her pace, and immediately tripped over her own feet, landing with her whole body.
"Well..." - "Deadman" had to go up to the nurse and help her get up.
"I'm so clumsy..." Shizuka said pitifully, handing the bag to the guy.
"Anything can happen."
"Where are we going? Is there a kendo tournament at another school? I didn't know you were in the club too. Although with your body..."
"Marikawa-sensei, did you even hear the director's address?"
"When I woke up, all I heard was "Thank you for your attention." Did something serious happen?" - no one can compare with the nurse's simplicity and sleepiness.
"Oh God... I'll explain on the way. And no. We're not going to a tournament."
The group was replenished with a qualified medic, who immediately sat down on the bus. And in return, "Deadman", who had separated from the rest of the group, received a reason for ridicule from one person who damnably hated him.
"Oh my god. What kind of look was that? Is it possible that a "cold corpse" like you is capable of experiencing such boyish feelings for a grown-up woman? I thought you preferred girls your own age." Rei couldn't help but notice the loving look and special attitude of the "Deadman" towards Shizuka. She definitely won't miss any opportunity to tease him.
"Deadman" could have responded with his own barb, fortunately he was in the mood for it, he could have remained tactically silent, which was his style, he could have shamefully justified himself, which would have been a complete defeat. But today the zombie apocalypse began, and the quiet life most likely came to an end, so instead of all this he chose to be honest with himself from now on.
"Yes, I am in love. Even before entering high school. And for the safety of Shizuka Marikawa, I am ready to do many serious and bad things. Any other questions?"
Rei fell silent, as she had not expected such a bold and direct confession. His words were honest and sincere. She even envied the nurse that she, without knowing it, had such a loyal fighting dog. Rei was initially embarrassed that she could not find a worthy response, but she still managed to come up with something.
"Is it too much of a stretch to admit it to her?"
"Deadman" never harbored any illusions about himself.
"Yeah, weak. I tried today, but it didn't work. It's not the right atmosphere, and you know yourself that I don't deserve anything nice today. Or do you think that Marikawa's refusal will be 100%?"
These words silenced Rei again. The boy was right. Although Marikawa was a grown woman, her behavior and character resembled that of a naive girl with a romantic attitude. She was probably very sensitive and could be touched by the young man's confession.
From what "Deadman" said, Marikawa didn't have a boyfriend, which further increased his chances. And from the casual tone of their conversation, their relationship was more friendly than professional.
"Deadman's" chances of success were at least not zero. But Rei couldn't let this guy get anything nice. It would be unfair and wrong. Besides, "Deadman" had to pay her off first, and only then look at other women.
As Rei thought about this, her face twisted in irritation, with a hint of embarrassment and… jealousy? Who knows? The "Deadman" didn't notice. However, he saw another person he didn't want to see here. Unlike Shizuka, there was no warmth and love here, but alienation and irritation.
"And why is this one here? Just don't tell me, Teacher Ichijo, that he's coming with us."
"I'm not thrilled myself, but he volunteered. So just bear with it."
The "Deadman's" question and Ichijo's answer brought Rei back from her thoughts, and she looked in the same direction he did. And she immediately regretted it, because all the remnants of her good mood evaporated into oblivion due to the sight of the teacher she disliked the most.
"Why is this bastard here?" - the anger and bitterness in her voice surprised and even scared the "Deadman" a little. Even in communication with him, she did not show such hatred.
"Sorry for being late, gentlemen. I hope I haven't kept you too long?"
Koichi Shido is a teacher in Class 3A, where Deadman, Saeko, Imamura, and Ken study. His formal and gentlemanly image, created by a black pinstripe suit, white shirt, yellow tie, brown shoes, and black-framed glasses, emphasizes his status. His friendly smile and neat hairstyle complete his image as the "perfect" handsome teacher, who was very popular among the female students of the school.
However, none of the three schoolgirls in his class were particularly delighted by his presence, and some of the students were even irritated. However, even Teacher Ichijo was not delighted by this man.
"Shut up and get on the bus with Ohara, Shido. There's no time for explanations. By the way, hello again, director."
At first, Shido didn't understand his deputy's last words, but then...
"Hello, colleagues and students!" a loud voice rang out behind him.
"WOW!" Shido couldn't help but let out a cry when he saw a short, chubby, gRei-haired old man suddenly appear behind him, which scared him quite a bit. Director Kuro always had a knack for appearing unexpectedly.
"Is everyone ready? Have you forgotten anyone? Very well. Ichijo, please return my gun. To maintain order and protect this school, we need more than just words. As Al Capone said, "You can accomplish more with a kind word and a gun than with a kind word alone."
Ichijou handed back the gun and eagerly jumped behind the wheel of the first bus. The group split into about six and four people. Rei, without thinking, entered the first bus, followed by Hisashi and Takashi. Kohta, with a gloomy face, also chose the first bus. Saeko wanted to join the "Deadman" group, but he persuaded her to take the first bus, as they needed an experienced fighter. Saya wanted to talk more with her new acquaintance, but he sent her to the first bus with an important mission: to read the first day of the apocalypse survival instructions on page 7 to the entire first group.
The rest of the group boarded the second bus: "Deadman", Imamura, Ken, and Morita. Together with the teachers Shido and Ohara, they formed an all-male group.
Kuro opened the gate, and Takayama was the first to drive out at high speed, like a wild animal, heading towards his family. The two buses drove more carefully and safely. As they went down the road, the "Deadman" in the back bus began to brief his group.
"Rule #1: No heroics. You are not the main character in a movie with plot armor. Rule #2: Go for the head. That is the only guarantee of eliminating a zombie. Not the heart, not the lungs, not any other vital internal organs! Just the head. Rule #3: Keep a cool head. Panic = death. Rule #4: Maintain and control your distance. Keep zombies away from you and attack at close range only when it is advantageous and safe. Rule #5: Stay on the move. Always be ready to flee or climb to a safer high ground. Rule #6: Move quietly. Noise = death. Do not provoke or attract the attention of zombies. Rule #7…"
"Sorry, Ikuta, my curiosity, but what zombies are we talking about?" Shido's question was logical, since he was the only one here who didn't know about what happened.
"Okay. I'll explain now."
After five minutes of all the explanations and arguments
A strange, suspicious smile appeared on Koichi Shido's face, which the "Deadman" noticed, but did not attach much importance to it, because the buses suddenly stopped.
They were already on the city streets and there were many reasons to stop.
The "Deadman" looked through the windshield and saw through the rear window of the first bus, Saya, who breathed on the glass and wrote the letters Z on the fogged glass. This was a clear signal about the zombies ahead.
The "Deadman" gave the guys the command to put on their gear and prepare their weapons.
Both buses opened almost simultaneously. The "Spearmen" got out first. Rei was holding a long mop handle, and Ken was holding a hook. Saeko and "Deadman" got out after them. They looked around, but saw no more signs of the living or the dead.
The street was deathly empty. Rare pools of blood and flames from spilled gasoline on the asphalt and sidewalk. The glass of the buildings was cracked from impacts, some were completely broken. Many columns of smoke were visible in the sky. And silence. Dead and oppressive. The atmosphere of destruction and death pressed down on the entire group.
Not a single living soul. And only a zombie, covered in blood and wounds, slowly walking towards them, was the sole master of the street. But it was not for long.
"Ken is with me. Saeko, you too. The rest of us cover and watch around. Let me remind you. Don't let them bite or hurt you. And don't let their blood get into your mouth or eyes. We don't know how the infection happens." With an axe in his hands, with his bag of useful things and with his loyal friends, the "Deadman" stood five meters away from the still slowly walking zombie.
The "Deadman" employee quietly moved away from the group to the right and observed the zombie's reaction. The zombie did not react at all, which confirmed the assumption that the living dead were blind.
The "Deadman" signaled Ken, who, feeling some excitement, approached the zombie under the cover of Saeko. He struck the zombie in the chest with the sharp end of the hook and with effort knocked it to the ground. Ken was able to hold the zombie, despite the fact that it actively resisted and even grabbed the hook. Saeko broke the zombie's wrists with several precise blows, which calmed it down a little.
After this, "Deadman" and Saeko approached the zombie. Saeko held the zombie's right arm and throat, and "Deadman" with some difficulty and the risk of being bitten, sealed its mouth and attached the other arm to the body with tape. Despite the resistance, "Deadman" also secured the zombie's other arm. Then the legs were secured.
The "Deadman" checked the zombie's pulse and breathing. The symptoms were increasingly confirming. Next, he tore the zombie's outer clothing, and then cut a hole under its chest with the blade of his axe. The "Deadman" rolled up his sleeve, put on a medical glove, and stuck his hand into the cut. Quickly finding the heart, he immediately tore it away from the vessels and pulled it into the light. The zombie did not stop moving.
"Second subject. Symptoms, characteristics and physiology are the same as the first. At the very least, it's a coincidence, and most likely a pattern. We need another subject to confirm the pattern. But it looks like the object reacts to heat." - "The Deadman" moved his hand in front of the zombie's face, and it belatedly, but turned in the same direction. The eyes did not move at that moment. - "Now I'm going to perform an autopsy on the abdomen to check for mutations in this part of the body. Close your eyes and breathe less. It's going to stink now."
The "Deadman", closing his eyes and mouth so that nothing would get into them, continued to cut through the zombie's body to the groin area. A nauseating stench of entrails and blood followed. Ken and Saeko barely restrained their impulse, but the "Deadman" was fine. He began to dig around in the intestines and internal organs. He found nothing abnormal. The organs were still hot, which directly indicated only the recent death of the person.
"I didn't find anything strange. The liver and kidneys are intact. This means that other organs are subject to infection and failure. Of all the organs, the brain, lungs and heart are certainly the most important. Stopping or damaging any of them leads to disastrous results. It is difficult to check the brain, because we do not have special and precise instruments for this. It is impossible to determine the reason for its stoppage by looking at the heart. It looks healthy, although dead. There are no visible mutations or changes. Perhaps the nervous system was infected, but without observing the full cycle of infection, this cannot be determined. Teshima died suspiciously quickly, and I did not have time to note the oddities in his death ... Remind me why I am saying all this?"
"To find out the causes of death and infection?" Ken tried to answer.
"True… But why am I wasting our time trying to logically justify zombie infestation if our category is "corpses somehow miraculously walk"? We clearly have a mystical or anti-scientific approach to zombies. I'm doing some pointless crap… Well, at least I cut up a corpse. And that's an interesting pastime." – the "Deadman" said with some irony. – "Who wants to drill a hole in his brain with a screwdriver?" – he just happened to have the tool in his bag.
"I prefer to kill my enemies on equal terms," Saeko thought like a samurai.
"Let me do it," Ken volunteered and with a precise blow thrust the end of the hook right into the zombie's eye socket. After that, it stopped moving.
They then dragged the body to the side of the road. Doing this while wearing 7 kg of gear with a large helmet and pants was not very comfortable, but you can get used to it.
Suddenly, the "Deadman" remembered something important.
"Damn. I forgot to check the bite force… Oh well. I'll have to find another one anyway. Just don't forget."
"You won't forget. There are two more coming our way." Saeko pointed her wooden sword at the alley where two dead people, an adult man and a young woman, emerged from the shadows toward the three classmates.
A man of about 50 years old, in a suit, the whole right sleeve is torn. There is blood on his chin, which has flowed from a deep cut on his head. His tie is torn, his trousers are stained. A woman of about 25 years old, her T-shirt with a floral print is torn in the chest area, exposing one shoulder. There is a lacerated wound on her stomach from which blood is dripping. Her eyes are empty, her mouth is flaccid, covered in dried blood. They were 5 and 6 meters away, so there was time to think.
"It's risky to test two zombies. We should get rid of one. Well... There were already men, so... Why don't we evaluate a woman?" - suggested "Deadman" with a clearly humorous and vulgar subtext.
"Stop that. You're scaring me." Ken didn't appreciate the joke.
"Men are stronger than women, so it's better to test the bite force on a man." With a slight smile because of the joke, Saeko nevertheless chose the pragmatic option.
"You're boring. Well, okay. Saeko, the woman is on you. She's on her feet. Have fun."
The girl didn't need to say this, because she had already approached the dead, pushed the man to the ground, and smashed the woman's skull with one blow, causing her to hit the wall. The guys appreciated her strength.
The same thing happened to the man as to the previous test subject. Only this time, instead of scotch tape, there was Saeko's sword, which immediately bit the zombie, leaving deep marks on the tree. The Deadman's hands were broken with an axe. Also, instead of taking the heart out of the chest, the "Deadman" simply stuck a screwdriver into the chest just below the hook, where the center of the heart was. After pulling out the tool and waiting a few seconds, he made sure that the man was definitely a living Deadman.
"That's enough." The "Deadman" quickly plunged the screwdriver into the zombie's eye, and it immediately passed out.
Saeko pulled out her sword and checked the damage.
"I wouldn't say there's anything abnormal. He simply used the maximum power of his jaws and muscles. He even broke some teeth. There are no limitations in the form of fear and fatigue. That's the main advantage of the living dead, isn't it?"
"Right, Saeko. So the muscles didn't mutate. Most likely… Okay, let's go back. Oh yeah… I almost forgot."
The "Deadman" checked the man's pockets. Only a wallet and house keys. He put them in his bag. He did the same with the woman. Nothing. On the way back, he checked the first dead zombie with a ripped belly. This time, a cell phone and car keys.
"You have to check their pockets if you can. At the very least, cars are now a gold mine."
The three classmates returned to the others, where they reported their observations.
"Two zombies. They were definitely living dead. Their hearts were damaged, but they were moving. As the saying goes: "Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern." I hope I won't shock anyone with my statement, but now it's absolutely certain, one hundred percent, absolutely without any conventions or jokes, a zombie apocalypse with living dead has undoubtedly begun. These are not people infected with some kind of rabies who can be saved. No. These are literally dead people who somehow went and started walking, simultaneously engaging in cannibalism. All the zombies we met were slow and blind. Perhaps we were so lucky and didn't meet other types of zombies, so we can't relax."
Everyone listened to "Deadman" calmly. Even Shido showed only curiosity and interest. And only Shizuka, who didn't know about all the commotion, felt slightly bewildered and stupidly blinked her eyelashes.
"Is this some kind of role-playing game? You're the survivors and everyone else is a zombie? What a weird game. Hmm..."
"Nobody explained, Marikawe?"
"She didn't believe it. She thought we were telling scary stories," Saya replied.
"Damn it... I'll explain on the way. Everyone on the buses."
The "Deadman" sat down next to Shizuka and in a very calm and clear voice began to explain everything to her briefly and to the point about everything they knew.
"Is that so? I see..." Shizuka put her finger to her chin and digested all his words. Then she exhaled sadly and answered him: "So, hell has begun with the living dead... Terrible news. Even worse than with Hayashi. Are these really dead people?"
"Yes. I cut two of them and tore out their hearts. They clearly don't need that organ anymore."
Shizuka smiled sadly at him.
"Well, I knew you were following in Aunt Yoshiko's footsteps, but I never thought you'd gain practical experience so quickly!"
"Did you take my word for it?"
"You're a good boy. You've always helped me and never lied to me. Why shouldn't I believe you?" Shizuka gave the "Deadman" a pure, sincere smile, which made him feel warmer.
"Perhaps you are right... To a large extent." - the "Deadman" himself smiled.
The entire slow and careful path to the grocery store went as follows: 1-3 zombies on the horizon - stop - a group of two or three eliminates the zombies - check pockets and bags - continue on. Each of the group had to kill at least one zombie to feel the killing of a once living person. Not everyone could do it easily and without regret. Imamura, for example, still had doubts and with slight reluctance pierced the Deadman's head. Rei felt sadness for the departed only after the action itself. Kohta was shaking violently at first when he aimed at the zombie's head, but after repeating the words of the "Deadman" about the one hundred percent "rottenness" of people, he pulled himself together and with an accurate shot hit right in the middle of the forehead, and then snorted with satisfaction.
Even the teachers were forced to shed blood. Ichijo reacted more calmly to the killing of the zombies, only snorted and reached for his cigarettes, but he didn't have any, only this could upset him. Ohara was the most ordinary and normal person among them, so he couldn't do without vomiting, although no more than a couple of drops came out of him. Shido cold-bloodedly pierced the zombie's head, grinning strangely, from this sight Rei tightly squeezed her "spear". Shizuka did not kill anyone, because she honestly admitted that she did not have enough courage for this, and she might throw a tantrum or faint. Everyone unanimously decided not to torture the medic. But there was no such unanimity regarding one obstinate and gloomy student.
"I'm not a fighter, I'm a brain. I think, and you do everything." - Saya tried to get out of it, but...
"What do you want me to give you? An axe? A hook? Or a nail gun?" - "The Deadman" insisted on killing the zombies without any politeness.
"Yeah, I... Damn it." Saya snorted, realizing the pointlessness of her argument. "Fat-ass, give me your weapon now!"
"Okay, Takagi."
Saya quickly picked up the nail gun, and her arms bent from the sudden weight. She walked up to the lying and tied up zombie woman. Aimed. Pressed the trigger. Missed. Got almost point-blank. Aimed again. Pressed the trigger. Hit. Killed the zombie. Gave the gun to Kohta.
"I'm returning... Hirano..."
"Now search my pockets," the Deadman told her.
"I know myself..."
Saya sat down next to the zombie. At first, she was a little disgusted to touch the Deadman. But then she overcame herself and began to check the pockets of her clothes. Saya tried to avoid the blood, so as not to get dirty, but a couple of drops still got on her fingers. Her face distorted in disgust, but she said nothing. From her pockets she could only get a wallet. And that was half empty. With this wallet she would have hit the "Deadman" right in the face, but he was wearing a helmet, so the "pRei" simply fell to the asphalt.
Without saying anything else, Saya returned to the bus and sat silently for the rest of the ride to the store. The "Deadman" could understand her reaction, but he also noted her restraint and understanding.
The journey continued without any unnecessary or spontaneous incidents. Of course, there were a couple of cars that quickly fled and a few that crashed into lampposts, but fortunately they did not cause any problems. Thus, both buses parked near an ordinary mini-market, and before that, Ichijo managed to kill a zombie. He even liked it.
Four classmates entered the store. There was only the cashier with such a sad face that Imamura mistook him for a Deadman.
"Welcome to the Sevenson Station mini-market." Even in his voice he didn't sound like a living person, but only in a moral sense.
"The Deadman" decided to explain to the man about the situation in the city, but...
"Welcome to Sevenson Station Mini Market."
He didn't even listen to him, although they had weapons in their hands and full kendo gear on their bodies. They looked clearly unfriendly. The "Deadman" decided to play on this.
"Tell me, what will you do if we threaten you and take all the food from here?"
"Go ahead. The store is insured for that anyway. And I don't get paid enough to try to fight off armed kendoists." - having said this, the cashier picked up his cricket bat, grabbed a couple of bags of chips and bottles of beer from the shelves and locked himself in the back room. His work day had ended early.
"Heh... You know, with that cricket bat he reminds me even more of Shaun from the movie..."
"Enough of your zombie movie references. We need to load supplies," Imamura told him, calling the others to load food.
"It's not that bad that I wanted it..."
"Deadman" gave up trying to somehow soften the tense atmosphere, since no one needed it. They had a job to do in the shortest possible time.