Chapter 11: Reunion
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(A/N: Is that a Power Stone I'm sensing? You should leave it here for safekeeping. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it.)
Word Count: 2815
Arriving at the gas station, Nagi efficiently loaded his belongings into the truck and proceeded to fill the tank. Taking stock of the items that remained untouched and in good condition, he carefully packed the food into his bag.
With a swift motion, he hopped into the truck and set off, navigating the desolate city streets on his way to Onbetsu Bridge. As he drove through the city, Nagi pondered the woman's words. "Find love and people to trust, huh?"
His mind flashed to his recent group. While each member possessed their own flaws, Nagi acknowledged that they were not a bad group by any means. In fact, they were quite capable in terms of abilities and intelligence, surpassing most adults in this new world.
However, is pursuing love in this new world truly the optimal path? The matter remains subjective. Love itself is a double-edged sword.
On one side, love can bring immense joy, satisfaction, and a profound sense of belonging. It offers emotional support, companionship, and intimacy, fostering personal growth and well-being.
Yet, on the other side, love can also be accompanied by challenges and the potential for heartbreak. Relationships may involve conflicts, misunderstandings, and the need for compromises.
The vulnerability and emotional investment inherent in love can sometimes lead to pain, disappointment, or even loss. Moreover, in a world where death can strike at any moment, the collapse of one lover can potentially leave the other shattered, unable to function.
Letting out a sigh of annoyance, Nagi muttered to himself, "I'll consider it another time. In a world like this, anything is possible. If it happens, it happens. Dwelling on such matters at this moment won't serve any purpose."
Spotting a nearby General Merchandise store, Nagi considered making a pit stop. It was an opportunity to freshen up, change his clothes, and tend to his injuries. Parking the truck, Nagi switched off the engine and exited the vehicle.
With his knife in hand, he pushed open the door to the General Merchandise store and entered. The store was surprisingly spacious, devoid of any immediate signs of undead presence. However, the absence of danger could be deceptive, given the sight of bloodstains and the flickering on-and-off lights.
Nagi proceeded with utmost caution, methodically scanning the store's aisles for appropriate clothing and cleaning supplies to tend to his hygiene. Once he found what he needed, he made his way to a secluded area where he had a clear view of his surroundings.
Carefully, he began the task of wiping away the blood from his body and tending to his wounds using available bandages. Although his patchwork needed some improvement, he planned to have Shizuka help him with that later.
Nagi changed into a set of clean clothes he had found at the storea simple black-colored t-shirt and a pair of sturdy jeans. He also managed to locate a rather stylish and sturdy leather jacket that offered some protection against the biting winds that often swept through the desolate streets.
Completing his attire, Nagi secured his feet with a pair of sturdy, lightweight boots that allowed for swift movement and agility. To provide some protection, he fashioned makeshift forearm guards using strips of leather from discarded shoes, belts, and durable twine.
Continuing his search, Nagi found leather garters that would serve as reliable sheaths for his blades and any other small weapons he might acquire in the future. With his preparations complete, he stepped out of the store and unwrapped a lollipop.
"It's been a while since I last had one," Nagi muttered to himself, savoring the taste as he got into the car and turned it on, driving away from the impending horde of undead that loomed in the distance.
***
Meanwhile
"Take pride in the fact that we will not be forgotten like the rest of Fujimi High School," Shido declared, extending his arms and addressing the students. "We were the ones who had the ingenuity to secure a bus. Miyamoto, Komuro, and Tshiro were all unfit compared to us!"
"Let us unite for our mutual survival," he proposed, and the students eagerly fell under his spell, their faces filled with reverence. "Through collaboration, we shall prevail over this crisis!"
"This is becoming increasingly concerning," Saya remarked, her gaze fixed on Shido. Saeko nodded in agreement and added, "Indeed. He's behaving as if he wants to recruit us into a new religious sect."
"It's not a mere resemblance. That's precisely what he's attempting," Saya emphasized, aligning with Saeko's observation. "A new religious sect... Father Shido desires to claim us as his initial disciples. Just look at the others, hanging onto his every word as if he were a deity to be worshiped."
Letting out a sigh, she leaned back in her seat and stated, "We must find a way to escape from this situation."
"With the road in this state, it might be wise to abandon the bus," Saeko remarked, her hand supporting her chin in contemplation. "However, if we manage to cross Onbetsu Bridge, we would be heading in the opposite direction of Higashi Police Station... I made a promise to Nagi."
Utilizing her kinetic energy and momentum, she drove the spear into the nearest zombie, piercing through its decaying flesh. Without hesitation, she pressed on, unleashing a wide, horizontal slash that brought swift death to the approaching trio of undead.
Remaining on the bike, Takashi swiftly approached Kohta and called out to him, "Hirano!" With precision and purpose, Takashi tossed a Smith & Wesson M37 AirWeight revolver toward Kohta.
In a seemingly entranced state, Kohta effortlessly caught the revolver, a grin spreading across his face. Without missing a beat, Kohta swiftly fired two shots in rapid succession, dispatching the two zombies that lurked behind Takashi with lethal precision.
"Double tap, baby," Kohta muttered triumphantly. Meanwhile, Takashi swiftly maneuvered the motorcycle toward Saya and Shizuka.
Applying the brakes and steadying himself with a foot on the ground, Takashi skillfully drifted the motorcycle, using the back of its shell to strike the approaching zombies.
The impact launched the undead over the bridge's edge, sending them plummeting into the water below. Wasting no time, Takashi drove towards Saeko and shouted, "Give me your hand!" Without hesitation, Saeko extended her hand towards him.
With a swift motion, Takashi's motorcycle propelled her into the air, allowing her to unleash a powerful horizontal strike on the three zombies before her. As her attack connected, the undead creatures fell lifeless to the ground.
"Amazing," Shizuka muttered in awe.
"Looks like it's all clear for now," Saeko commented, her gaze scanning the surroundings. However, her eyes widened with concern as she noticed a missing person. "Where's Nagi? Wasn't he with you guys when we separated?"
Breaking free from her embrace with Shizuka, Rei responded to Saeko's inquiry. "When we reached the other side of the tunnel, there was only this bike available, and it could only accommodate two people."
"With the undead closing in due to the explosion, Nagi instructed us to leave without him... and that he would catch up later." Her voice faltered under the intense scrutiny of Saya and Saeko's gazes.
"So you simply left him behind?!" Saya exclaimed. "Did he mention where he was heading or where he planned to meet us? We have no idea what might have happened to him, and we're completely unaware of his current situation!"
Coming to Rei's defense, Takashi interjected, "Hold on, don't place all the blame on Rei. She clearly stated that Nagi instructed us to leave without him. And let's not forget, based on what we've seen of his abilities at the school, he should be more than capable of making it here."
Growing increasingly angered, annoyed, and worried for Nagi, Saya pressed on, "But that doesn't change the fact that he's all alone in the city! We have no idea what's happening there!"
"With the undead roaming and people losing their minds, do you honestly believe he can make it here without encountering any trouble?"
Saya's sharp words struck a nerve, causing Takashi to clench his fists and avert his gaze. Deep down, he knew she was speaking the truth.
He and Rei had already experienced the dangers firsthand when they encountered a hostile man at the gas station. As they traveled through the city, they witnessed the sheer devastation and chaos it held.
Saeko's voice joined the conversation, her tone filled with concern. "I have to agree with Saya. Considering how the bridges are fortified, it's unlikely that many people managed to escape to the other side."
"This means there could be a substantial population of the undead still wandering within the city." Her words hung heavy in the air, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. And then the sound of an approaching vehicle broke through the silence.
It rolled up a few feet from the group, its engine rumbling before coming to a halt. They remained on guard, their weapons at the ready, their eyes locked on the red pick-up truck.
Silence enveloped them as they awaited a response. Seconds stretched into eternity as anticipation filled the air. Takashi's voice, laced with caution, sliced through the stillness once more. "Who's there?! Show yourself!"
The tension in the air reached its peak as the door of the truck swung open. Nagi, with his characteristic nonchalance, jumped out, scratching his head lazily. He glanced at the group and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Quiet down, will you? You're too damn loud," Nagi remarked, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
Author Words:
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you haven't already, please consider leaving a Power Stone here to show your support and help this story stay visible.
Sorry for having using the original story for most of this chapter. I was in a rush. Though next chapters will be back to normal. Also, this is important as there are two factions regarding this decision.
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