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[HOTD] Chapter 51 – Tagging Along
🕑 Added 2025-04-22 15:52:27 +0000 UTCSitting on a bed, I talked with both Saeko and Miss Shizuka about my plans and the news. They weren't exactly happy that I delayed our departure but they understood.
Especially Miss Shizuka after I explained that I received a message from Miss Rika that she was overseas.
"Take your time preparing everything. If Rika is overseas, then there should be no hurry." The nurse smiled at me, "I am just glad she's okay."
"Yes, I believe she's fine. Rest for tonight and we will resume our journey tomorrow." I replied, smiling faintly.
With that, Miss Shizuka returned to the tent to look at her patient for the last time.
As for Saeko...
"It seems things are going to get tougher. We must be cautious, brother." Saeko commented quietly, sitting closer to me. "That giant from before... I need to hone my swordsmanship further to defeat someone like him. I actually chipped my katana a little in the battle."
She unsheathed her beloved blade from its scabbard and showed me the blunt edge. There was a slight dent there. And then, she pointed at another nick on the other side.
"Can we repair it somehow?" I asked.
Saeko shrugged and shook her head, "Maybe it can be done if we find someone capable. I hope we can fix it sooner than later."
"Hmm..."
Sword was essential for Saeko, as she fought mainly using it. That's why we need to sharpen or buy a new one as soon as possible.
'There are still quite a few katanas, both wakizashi, tanto, and one odachi.'
When I looked at our house's katana collection, there were plenty of useful ones. Some of the katanas were used in ceremony and had dull edges, but we had quite a few real swords and two polearms, naginata and yari.
'I planned to stop by our house to get some katanas and the supplies I gathered before the apocalypse. I bought everything I needed: food, medicines, camping supplies, canned butane gas, and other stuff useful for the apocalypse already. From what I count, it would last us enough for a year, maybe less with 3 people.'
I could secure our means of transportation overseas while we were in Tokonosu City.
Airport? Who would fly the plane?
I knew how to operate a helicopter, but I couldn't hope there would be one there.
Military base? I had hopes in that place. However, if JSDF was still active, I might not be able to use their vehicle. Every vehicle was important in a zombie apocalypse.
'So the most realistic option for us is ships. Although a port wouldn't guarantee a free ship, it should be safer compared to other transportation places.'
We also still need supplies. Fortunately, we had enough. And I also bought fishing equipment for us. Fishing and hunting were basic skills necessary to survive in these kinds of worlds.
The rest? Guts, power, anything.
'Surviving alone feels hollow, that's why I wanted to have a goal. I wanted to give Saeko a goal so she won't turn into a mindless killer too, addicted to killing zombies.'
People couldn't just live by fighting zombies day in and day out.
"Now I am really troubled."
"Is it about Takagi-san?"
I smiled wryly.
Right, she too.
After I told her about my plan to leave, she bolted out and disappeared, ignoring me ever since. As far as I knew, she was in her room all day, alone. What should I do with her? Honestly I had no idea.
"Well, not really. It's true she's on my mind though." I admitted. "But not that much."
She pouted childishly at my words. Then, she hugged me from behind.
"Don't forget you're mine, brother."
"Now you're playing possessive? Interesting." I chuckled, teasing her.
However, Saeko remained still and continued whispering, "I can accept sharing, but I will never give you up." She paused briefly before continuing, "Don't leave me alone, big brother."
I looked up, our eyes met.
Her violet eyes reflected fear. She seemed genuinely frightened at the thought of losing me, afraid that one day I'd abandon her.
Therefore, I caressed her cheek gently.
"It will never happen."
Time flew as we spent hours talking. Just enjoying ourselves, forgetting reality for a moment, living peacefully like before the end of the world arrived.
***
Morning arrived rather fast and we got up early for our trip. At least for me and Miss Shizuka who woke up pretty early in the morning. As for Saeko, she slept late yesterday so she's still half asleep.
Anyway, as I expected, Saya hadn't contacted me since last night. I only found out her whereabouts from her mother when I took breakfast and left to prepare for our departure. It seemed like she stayed in her room since yesterday, brooding alone.
After hearing that, I just let out a bitter laugh and went outside.
From now on, it would be only the three of us going overseas to search for Miss Rika.
Or so I thought.
Because at the moment we stepped outside...
"You're finally here!" Saya stood in front of the gate of the mansion.
Behind her were three suitcases lined up neatly next to each other. Seeing our confused expression, she grinned proudly and flicked her bangs.
"Hmph! I can't leave a lot of you alone if you're going overseas. Do you even understand english?" She crossed both arms smugly, "Be grateful! I will be joining you."
"Saya..." Miss Shizuka spoke in disbelief, "...what's the meaning of this?"
The pinkette stared back at the older woman, her eyes showing firm resolve. "I am serious."
"But how about your parents?"
"It doesn't matter," she answered immediately without hesitation, "They already allowed me. I will go there to obtain intel for mom's information network and act as Daiki's guide."
Then, she turned to me with a confident grin. I could guess what she thought just from that gesture. Perhaps she didn't think I could get to the destination easily.
'I know how to speak English well, but maybe I shouldn't correct her.'
In the end, I only smiled and pointed at her suitcase.
"Useless baggage. You can join, but not those."
Saya opened her mouth, but after looking at her three large luggage and our backpacks, she closed it again and scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"W-Well, I suppose I should just bring this one then. There is a satellite telephone and radio communication device inside, so it's important!"
She grabbed the smaller suitcase amongst three and pushed the other two away.
"There, only one bag for me."
"Good enough," I nodded. "Let's go then."
