I had to admit, there was certain thrill riding in a military-class vehicle down a zed-filled road and watching the bodies fly in every direction. How did that song go again?
"Move Bitch! Git out the way! Git out the way, Bitch! Git out the way!"
"Sensei," Saya growled out, disturbing my state of automotive homicidal zen. "As... amusing as it is listening you to butcher an English rap song, you might want to know that you're frightening the others."
"Shit, did I say that out loud?" I thought to myself.
"Yes. Yes you did." was the immediate response.
Crap… I must be more tired than I thought. To be fair, I'd been running full-throttle without any real rest for at least fifteen hours. I was kind of impressed I hadn't collapsed yet.
Muttering an apology I glanced around the rest of the vehicle, despite being one step short of an APC, with our group, Alice and her father, and the extended family from across the street all packed in it was more than a little snug. Taking everything from Shizuka and Rika's apartment that wasn't tied down didn't make things easier. But I wasn't one to complain, not when the Xth zombie was sent pinwheeling into the sky as we zipped along at around thirty miles an hour and I could hear the clinking of enough firepower to arm a marine squad in the back.
Speaking of Rika's armoury, either the series had underrepresented the sheer size of her gun collection or meeting me had somehow inspired her to expand her collection by an order of magnitude because instead of the three guns of the series there were an even baker's two dozen. Everything from a couple cute little 'girly' pistols to what seemed to be a full-on anti-material rifle.
As we rode along I began to brainstorm what I was going to do one we reached the Takagi estate and rendezvoused with the other half of the thegns. While all of the Thegn gangs theoretically respected the rules I'd set down, the ones on the other side of the river were more… aggressive in their adherence the viking theme they adopted after encountering my boys. While I could never prove it, I was sure some of the gangs from the far side of the river were using live steel in their holmgangs, the duels they had accepted as a means of settling disputes instead of massive back-alley brawls like in the past. I had wondered about some of the scars and bandages the leaders from the far side sported when they showed up to train with us but I'd never pressed them on it, not wanting to put them on edge, or worse, let them loose into the surrounding area without even my minimal supervision.
Most of these boys, asides from their leaders, had almost never met me despite my attempts to visit each gang at least once to see what their situation was and make sure their leaders weren't teaching them something wrong that would get them killed in the days ahead. Hopefully it wouldn't be too hard to smack some heads together and get them to follow me on an escort mission to the storage lot. Which was why I was hoping Mr. Takagi had softened them up by the time I got there, It'd make things much easier. Or at least that they didn't pick a fight with the Ultra-Nationalists and when we got there the entire complex on fire with the two groups duking it out while civilians were getting munched on by the undead that had streamed through the gaps in the barriers that no one was manning.
At that thought I pulled out the crucifix I had been wearing for months now, muttered a prayer and kissed it. That was the last thing I needed right now. I prayed that we didn't come to that.
-----------------------
Thankfully, my trip to the Takagi estate was delightfully mundane. Besides the ongoing game of Carmageddon that was our drive through the city, the only real event of note was one of Shizuka's neighbors having a small but thankfully contained panic attack when we forded the river. Apparently she had some childhood trauma related to the ocean and was uncomfortable around large bodies of water.
Been nice if they'd bothered to tell me that before we were fifty yards out.
"For the sixth time it's alright, you don't have to keep apologizing ma'am." I said over my shoulder to Mrs. Ikari. The matriarch of the extended family that had been hiding across the street from Shizuka's place was still breathing a little harder than was normal and her husband was still holding her hand while squeezing it soothingly and speaking to her in a calming tone.
Her face pale and covered with a sheen of sweat that wasn't entirely because of our contained and tightly packed seating arrangement looked up to me and quietly smiled before bobbing her head again and saying in a quiet voice, "Even so I'm still sorry. An old woman like me breaking down like a frightened child."
"You were a frightened child," Saya said bluntly. "That's how childhood trauma works. Something happens that burns itself into your mind so badly that every time you face it you go back to that moment." Trust Saya to make an anvil look subtle…
Our conversation was cut short as we rounded a corner on approach to the estate and was met by a set of jersey barriers that seemed to have been modified by putting a line of barbed wire across the top. Behind them, were a trio of men standing guard, two of them wearing black faux-military dress uniform...uniforms that I recognized from previous encounters with the local breed of ultra-nationalist pseudo-fascist. The other guy was a normal civilian, salary man if the suit pants and unbuttoned shirt were any guess.
"Present yourself," one of the man said looking up to the HUMVEE without a ounce or fear, or at least with a bucket of bravado.
Before I could respond a gorgeous, and to be completely honest absolutely MILF-tastic woman, with magenta hair who looked like she was at most 35 stepped into view a wearing a fashionable looking black dress.
They always say look at a girl's mother to see what she'll look like in 30 years, and goddamn, Saya was set to age like a fine wine.
"I've got this..."
The young man nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
She smiled and looked up. "You know, Brody-dono, it is polite to call before you visit."
I smiled weakly as I looked down from the turret ring. "Um. My apologies. I've been a bit overwhelmed. Sometimes the small pleasantries just get overlooked."
She chortled lightly. "It is alright. I understand. But there are no worries, Saya called on your behalf."
I glanced down. "Thanks."
She simply smiled and gave a respectful nod, before glancing behind the wall. "Open the gate."
Moments later a forklift rolled into view and lifted the barricade out of the way to allow the Humvee to pass. Not wanting to waste time we quickly drove into the compound allowing them to replace it.
At the top of the hill I could see the Takagi estate itself, a western-style mansion with a large driveway in front and several outbuildings to either side. Off to the right side of the driveway, nearly a dozen large military-type tents were lined up in a neat row. I could see dozens of people milling about the tents either talking or working on something with their hands. Most of them were... rough looking... trailer trash sorts,for a lack of a better term. The rest were more normal looking people, one of whom was an oddly familiar looking woman with a pixie haircut and a resting bitch face.
Inside I could see a large group of young men forming a circle in the main driveway, judging from the scraps of equipment many of them were sporting, and I could hear the chanting even over the rumble of our engine, ascertained that those were the thegns who managed to reach the Takagi complex. I had found my lost boys.
Glancing out the window to Mrs. Takagi, who'd taken it upon herself to guide us to a parking spot, I asked, "What's going on?"
"If I'm to understand correctly, one of my husband's subordinates called the honor of one of your 'Thegns' into question. He demanded a duel to satisfy the insult, and my husband agreed to allow it as long as it was done under proper supervision."
"Well at least there isn't live steel." I muttered under my breath as I hopped out of the truck and made my way to the Thegns. As I walked I paused and bowed to the woman. "My apologies, but I have to see to this."
She nodded in response. "Of course."
Grinning for a moment I turned back to the large crowd, most of whom were too focused on the fight in the center of the crowd to notice my approach. I tapped one young man who was shouting encouragement to their leader on the shoulder to get their attention.
He glanced over his shoulder with a growl of annoyance, "What do you waa... oh. Um. Sorry, my Jarl."
A smug grin spread across my face as I nodded. Jarl was I? Heh. Yeah. I could roll with that. Putting a finger to my lips I made my way past him I quietly passed my way through the crowd. Several of them cursing at me, only to go pale as a sheet when they saw who was on the receiving end of their tongue after which they'd sheepishly bow and let me through.
I finally got through the crowd to get a front row seat for the fight. I should have known. Toji Yoshida, AKA: Eric the Red. Short for his age, with a wiry build, pretty boy features, and naturally red hair with matching eyes that I swore glowed in the dark, he stuck out even in this much more technicolor version of Japan. That meant he'd have had to fight twice as hard and be twice as vicious as your average delinquent just to keep up his reputation. He was the type who had decided to split the difference and go for quadruple.
In fact, I'd bet good money that he was probably the bloodthirsty little fuck who'd come up with the idea of going a-viking to begin. God knows his gang had built up a reputation as the most notorious raiders on the far side of the river. Having the outlet was probably the only reason he hadn't gone rogue. At first he'd been even more resentful than Onikuma himself, though once the raiding started he'd become downright enthusiastically cheerful.
It was honestly a little terrifying.
I also noted, with some annoyance, that he wasn't wearing his helmet and instead was letting his long, and I honestly couldn't believe I was going to use this word in reference to a man, luxurious red hair flow wildly behind him like a silky, well conditioned, crimson banner.
Good lord. I needed to squeeze a tit, just to reaffirm my sexuality.
Against him was a man who looked to be somewhere in his mid to late 20s, tall, immaculately dressed in the pseudo-military uniform that seemed to be preferred by Takagi's happy band of World War 2 apologists. His hair was slicked back and his features severe, and he held himself like he was hiding a spare bokken somewhere a bit uncomfortable.
Or at least that's probably what he'd normally look like. He seemed like the type.
Right now however he looked a bit more disheveled. And by that I meant he had the look of a man in the midst of getting his ass kicked. His clothes were dirty and scuffed, making it clear he'd taken his fair share of tumbles, his hair was a mess, and from the looks of things, his nose very well might be broken, and he looked downright punch drunk. Probably from the same shield bash that wrecked his nose.
Eric on the other hand had a light sheen of sweat on his face, and the gleeful smile of a "That Kid Down the Street" when left alone with a power drill and his sister's pet rabbit.
And somehow, I was this psychopath's boss.
God help me...
Standing off to the side, was Souichiro Takagi, looking a stone faced as ever.
I hadn't seem the man in person before, though I'd seen him on television, on the occasional political posters, and of course his voice was constantly streaming out of those damned propaganda vans. He was more intense in person.
Quietly I slipped into place next to him.
"Brody-dono." he greeted calmly.
"Takagi-dono." I replied with a nod.
Greetings over with, the two of us turned our attention back to the fight. A fight which was starting to have a bit more weight to it than a simple duel.
"Your men are somewhat... wild." he observed as we watched the two clash.
I shrugged. "I know, but I'll admit I've put more effort into making sure they don't piddle on the rug than giving them their flea dips." A little glib but I couldn't show an ounce of give with this man, otherwise he'd walk all over me.
Turning back to the fight, Eric was pacing back and forth, a maniacal grin on his face and his blunted ax twirling like a baton between his fingers. The boy was toying with his older opponent like a cat with a mouse.
"Come on, brother, all you have to do is admit you were wrong and say 'I'm a giant pussy swinging around my overcompensation stick' and it'll all be over." He said in a genial tone, as if he were talking to a close friend. His smile on the other hand bore a degree of smugness that made me want to punch him by reflex.
Right. No one with an ounce of pride would capitulate under those conditions.
I glanced at Takagi. "He is your subordinate, Brody-dono."
I nodded. Right.
Stepping forward, I spoke in a bold tone. "Alright Eric, that's enough."
I turned to Takagi's subordinate. "Do you admit your error, never mind his outrageous demand?"
He paused for a moment then bowed unsteadily. "He is a skilled fighter and I retract my remark."
"Good," I replied coolly. Then I turned to Eric. "You've won the fight and proved your skill. There's no need to continue. Accept his submission. Making outrageous demands like that will only make you look the fool."
Eric, unfortunately, wasn't having any of it, instead he turned his head and spat at the ground. His disdain and contempt was blatant. "Fuck off old man, that cunt over there insulted me and he needs to learn his place."
My eyes narrowed. "Watch yourself, boy," I said in a warning tone. "Accept his submission. Now."
He rolled his eyes dismissively. "And what are you going to do about it? You want a piece of me, old man?" He grinned and spread his arms wide, extending his shield and axe to the side, doing a slow circle of the impromptu ring. Several of the gangers, likely Eric's personal followers, roared their approval of their chief's bravado.
"No, boy, I'll take the whole thing." I said with a growl. "Holmgang it is."
I looked over to Kohta. "My shield and arms please."
He nodded and returned moments later with my shield with a Black Raven on a white background. I accepted it without a word and took my axe, giving it a few practice swings. A moment later Saeko approached carrying my helmet and looking extremely intense, even by her standards.
This was unexpected.
Without a word she lifted the helmet and understanding her intent I lowered my head to make it more easy for her to place it upon me.
"Show him his place, Brody-sensei." she said without hesitation.
"Wow, nice piece of ass you got there, chief," he said with a smirk, "Been checkin' out the student body?"
She gritted her teeth and I saw murder in her eyes. Yeah. Time to put a stop to this. The worst I'd do is beat him senseless, if Saeko got her mitts on him, they'd be burying him in bucket.
"Keep that up, Eric, and I'll let her deal with you." I said darkly.
"And it's not even my birthday!" he said with far too much cheer.
"But unfortunately, I need you alive." I finished. That made him blink. Audibly.
Goddamn anime.
"Huh. So you're saying the little kitten is too much for me?"
"You're making me reconsider my stance," I said with a growl. "Now, shut up. It's time for teacher to give you your lesson."
He laughed and spun his axe. "Now this is what I'm fucking talking about! Come on old man, hit me with your best shot!" With that he flew right at me, axe high for an overhand chop.
With no visible effort, I stepped around his swing, and batted his swing into his shield, forcing his upper body to twist to the left but leaving his face still pointed forward...and wide open for my counter.
I followed up by simply cold-clocking him. He went out like a light.
"And the lesson for the day?" I asked in a conversational tone. "Always wear your fucking helmet."
Looking up I spotted one of the more shell-shocked gang members, and assuming it was one of his subordinates, I said: "You. Drag his his ass off to the side and dump a bucket on him." The ganger took a moment before he realized I was talking to him. I cleared my throat once to get his attention and after a moment processing my words he immediately grabbed his leader and bolted.
"So. That was dumb. If anyone else has a case of the stupids, form a line. Otherwise, I believe we can just assume that I'm in charge and you do what I say, right?"
I smiled and did a slow rotation, taking in the crowd.
"So? No takers?" I grinned. "Good. Because, we've all got shit to do, so if any of you have something you need to bring to my attention, I'm all ears."
Yet more silence. Oh for God's sake.
"Kohta, Takashi... go talk to them and find out who needs to talk to me."
I shook my head and walked back to Mr Takagi.
"I apologize about that mess." I said calmly.
"You're very capable," he replied with the smallest smile. "Perhaps when the situation is more opportune we will have to test our skills."
His eyes were downright sparkling with what was probably the closest he's capable to boyish glee.
I couldn't help but smirk. "I look forward to it... But enough of the formality." I offered him my hand. "We're going to have to work together closely, and I feel it would be best if we don't spend the time dancing around each other. Call me Tom."
He paused for a moment giving me a measuring look then his eyes flickering behind me for a moment took my hand with a small nod. His grip was strong enough to twist steel. I responded by matching it. His lip lifted ever so slightly with approval.
"You may call me Souichiro, Tom-san."
I smiled and followed as he lead us off to the side. "So, where do we stand at the moment?" I asked him calmly.
"My wife is handling the logistics so if you desire exact numbers, ask her, but as is we have several weeks of supplies and are quartering several hundred survivors, not counting your own numerous subordinates."
"And the mall?" I asked.
He glanced at the gates. "Last night I sent a team of my best men to investigate it. The female police officer leading the defense was somewhat difficult, but an accord was reached. I have already dispatched a send group to evacuate them. They should be returning within the hour."
I smiled. "Kohta will be pleased."
He raised an eyebrow.
"The shorter of the two boys who accompanied me. The junior police officer is his girlfriend." I explained.
He nodded with a slight hum. "And how does your situation stand?"
"At last report, good. We still have a trickle of family members coming in, but at this point I wouldn't be surprised if we were edging close to a thousand."
He smiled. It was extremely faint, but his pleasure at the news was clear. "Impressive."
I had the feeling that was about as close to a "Booya!" as the man was physically and emotionally capable of.
"But it will put a great strain on your supplies." He then said, the frown right back on his face.
"You'd be surprised," I replied dryly. Before the late and unlamented Shido had decided to fuck things up, I'd intended to run a school festival with the hopes of getting as many loved ones at the school as possible, and my preparation had reflected this.
As impressive as the numbers I had now were, I probably would have been able to save maybe even twice as many if Shido hadn't decided that he needed to prove he was the biggest swinging dick. It honestly made me wish I could murder the bastard. Again.
Between what I had in my storage locker and what I'd managed to squirrel away in the mountains, I probably had enough to feed everyone in my group for three months, more if we were willing to cut rations until we could get a harvest planted.
He raised an eyebrow and obviously wished for me to continue.
"I've have roughly three month's worth of food, not including seed stock." I replied, as matter-of-factly as if I had been discussing the weather.
As a reward for dropping that little bomb, I had the pleasure of seeing Takagi's iron visage actually break for a moment and the stunned man openly stare at me in amazement for a moment.
"You have three months of food?" A second voice called out from behind me, turning around I saw that Mrs. Takagi, along with her daughter Saya, were walking towards us, apparently so the latter could greet her father. It was a bit hard to see but Saya was fighting down a downright impish smirk. It wasn't everyday the Iron Giant's armor cracked and this was likely a special treat for her.
Looking back to her mother I nodded, unable to hide the grin at the stunned look on her face. "What can I say? I like to plan ahead and what red-blooded American doesn't have a Zombie Plan?"
The sheer audacity of my words seemed to take them aback, as Mr. Takagi just gave me a dumbfounded look in response, too stunned for words and too proud to stutter. Mrs. Takagi was also staring at me before I saw something click behind her eyes and they narrowed ever so slightly. I had a feeling I'd need to be explaining a few things eventually. Though not right now.
Even Saya had to doubletake for a moment.
"That is more than I saw at the storage," she noted.
"The rest is at the lodge," I replied, to which she simply nodded. She'd long learned to just roll with it. It was easier on the sanity.
Changing the subject I cleared my throat and said, "Regardless of supplies or manpower, and I hope I don't sound too bold, we're going to have to relocate to the storage. It's closer to the highway and once the EMP hits, it'll be easier to move out from the periphery than from the city proper."
"I agree," Mrs. Takagi replied. "Though my husband and I have discussed the situation and would like to raise two points."
Taking this as his cue, Souichiro began to speak. "First, I wish for a small group of volunteers to remain here. We have decided that this location will serve as a secure strong point from which to gather supplies from the city. Second, we have several mechanics here and they have assured me that they will be able to remove the critical electronics from a number of vehicles which can then be placed within shielded containers in the eventuality of the attack of which you are so clearly concerned."
"I take it Saya explained my concerns?"
Her mother nodded. "Yes, and I find it to be a distressing, but likely possibility. My husband is more skeptical, but we have decided that it would be better to err on the side of caution."
I simply nodded. "That���s fair."
With that the four of us made for the main house, Mr. and Mrs. Takagi and I discussed organizing the evacuation while Saya followed along, occasionally adding her own opinion, though I noticed her parents didn't seem to really note what she was saying.
This caused me to literally take pause. Oh no, I was not dealing with this coming of age shit with the undead wandering around, time to nip this in the bud, now, "Excuse me, as I have no desire to be disrespectful or, God forbid, question your parenting, but Saya has proven herself to be a valuable member of my group. Without her insight we probably would have taken far greater casualties. I put great stock in her opinion and consider her a valuable advisor."
Saya looked at me for a moment with absolute shock, obviously never imagining that I would go to task for her with her parents like this. Then she shrunk back when she noticed that Souichiro had decided to make her the sole focus of his attention.
"How did my daughter's insight help so greatly? You seem to be otherwise extremely well prepared."
I looked at Saya and smiled. "Tell him."
She took a deep breath. "I-I... when Brody-sensei first encountered the undead, along with several other teachers, one of them panicked and fled, destroying the main gate with his car. This both breached the defenses of the school and drew the attention of a small horde of th-..."
I gave her a steady look and cleared my throat.
"Zombies," she said with a slight blush, obviously a little uncomfortable using such a normally silly word in front of her parents. "I devised a plan and with Brody-sensei's aid, jury-rigged a decoy with which to draw them off."
"She also helped me convince the principal of the enormity of the situation," I added, my features darkening for just a moment, remembering that brave, brave man. "Because of her we were able to react much more swiftly, and of course, in an emergency fast action saves lives."
He looked at her for a long moment and then smiled. It was a small smile, but for a moment his stony facade cracked and in his eyes I saw real pride. "As I expect of my child."
Her mother was also controlled but much more expressive. She looked very pleased indeed.
After taking a moment to allow the Takagis their honestly somewhat adorable bonding moment, we continued onto the main house, having resumed our conversation. This time however, much to my pleasure, Saya's option was being given some actual weight and consideration. She was still the junior member of the conversation, true, but at least this time she was being treated as a member rather than one of the peanut gallery.
As we neared the house, one of Mr. Takagi's men came rushing up to us.
"Takagi-sama, the group from the mall is returning."
"Kohta!" I called out, ��Walk with me!"
I looked over to Souichiro and his wife. "I'm not missing this reunion for the world..."
Mr. Takagi gave me a stern look, but his wife gave him a look and he seemed to just deflate ever so slightly and follow. Saya seemed to double take at this for a moment, before following.
Kohta met us half way and gave me a confused look. "What is it, sensei?" He asked as we approached.
I smiled knowingly. "Just keep a close eye on that bus."
We stood in place for a moment, calmly watching as a continuous stream of people slowly exited the bus until I saw a familiar little pixie in blue step out of the bus. I couldn't help but smile.
From next to me I heard a gasp and looked over to see Kohta looking on in shock, almost quivering in place. He turned to me, his eyes begging.
"Go to her," I said calmly.
He didn't have to be told twice and with a shout of joy he rushed towards her, sending one gang member flying like a pinwheel in his wake. "Asami-chan!" he shouted, a huge grin on his face.
The little pixie heard his bellow across the manor grounds. "Kohta-kun!" she squealed, almost letting go of the old lady she'd been helping out of the bus, only to rush forward once the woman had waved her off with a smile. Faster than greased lightning, she tore her way through the crowd of people making their way from the vehicles to the manor, darting between them like a deer in a forest. Her blue eyes were shining with tears and her expression one of pure joy.
The two didn't slow down for an instant until they collided with each other, Kohta snatching up Asami in his arms and swinging her around, her tiny frame leaving her swinging like a kite in the wind in his tree trunk-like arms. When he stopped spinning her around he pulled her close and she all but smothered him in kisses all over his face, before returning the favor with one long deep kiss himself.
Honestly, and somewhat ironically, it was like watching a replay of the famous VJ day kiss photo abet in miniature, big as Kohta was horizontally he was still only 5'2'' and Asami was half an inch shorter than her beau. It was adorable and I could feel something warm and fuzzy welling up in my chest. If nothing else I'd stopped one awful heartbreak from happening.
I wasn't the only witness as many of the thegns and their followers who had met Kohta had seen their very public display of affection and had start hooting and hollering in approval...ah teenagers…
"Do you see this?" Souichiro exclaimed stepping forward. "Remember this, all of you. Look upon this young warrior and his reunion and remember. This is why we fight! For those we cherish!"
That got a round of cheers from his followers as well as a number of the refugees. Even a couple of the thegns seemed to take it to heart.
Smooth political operator taking advantage of a situation or not, I couldn't help but agree with Souichrou. This was what I was fighting for, what I'd spent a year training myself and others for, breaking the bank supplying for. So that young loves and lives would survive in this Land of the Dead.
That made me think of my own love, I turned around looking for a familiar length of golden hair. I spotted her standing among the refugee tents, looking over an older man who was doubled over and holding his chest. A warm feeling filled my chest.
Well played, Souichiro. Well played.
For those we cherish, indeed.