Chapter 6

Morning came again and Takashi stood on the curb in front of his house waiting on Saya. It was decided she would pick him up for a few days to give Rei time to cool down. The last thing Takashi wanted was a scene at the station or on the train where he could end up in deeper trouble.

Takashi hopped in after the car pulled up. He greeted Saya and the driver, then noticed Saya was concentrating on a set of printouts in her lap.

"What are you studying so hard already this morning, Saya?" he asked.

"Zombies," she said without even looking up.

"Zombies?"

"Zombies," the girl repeated as she closed her notes. "Come to find out there are real zombies that are created by introducing several drugs into a person. One is tetrodotoxin, which comes from the flesh of the pufferfish. Add it with several others that I won't get into, and this causes the person to go into a trance-like, or death-like state that can be maintained for…maybe years. It also causes them to be susceptible to suggestive control of the person inducing the drug."

"Ah…okay…" the slightly stunned boy said.

"Now we get to the zombies you dreamed about. Dead people that get back up and have a ravenous hunger for living flesh or even brains. These are the fictional zombies of movie and fantasy."

Takashi nodded in silence as the pink-haired girl rattled on.

"It is a given belief by a lot of researchers that the 'zombie apocalypse' would be caused, again, by drugs. This time though, it would be something like a cure for the common cold or flu where millions of people are given a vaccine that causes a mutation in which the 'infected' get sick and die, only they get back up a short time later to feast on the living. According to a Carleton University and University of Ottawa epidemiological analysis, an outbreak of even the movie Living Dead's slow zombies 'is likely to lead to the collapse of civilization, unless it is dealt with quickly.' Based on their mathematical modeling, the authors concluded that offensive strategies were much more reliable than quarantine strategies, due to various risks that can compromise quarantine. They also found that discovering a cure would merely leave a few humans alive, since this would do little to slow the infection rate."

"So…you're saying it's possible this could happen?" he asked.

"Possible, but improbable, it's the getting back up thing that is the clincher. Now, could the world get wiped out by a virus like this? Yes, in fact it's more probable than the world getting destroyed by a nuclear war."

"So where would it start? The U.S.? Japan?"

Saya thought for a minute before answering, "I think it could start in the Balkans, the region that has been in dispute for so long in and around Southeast Europe, the Bosnia and Serbia area. There is a lot of bad stuff going on in there like white slavery, sex slavery, ethnic cleansing just to name a few. I could see someone taking a flu vaccine and adding something to it, trying to introduce it to a population group they are wishing to wipe out, and it going wild with mutation. It would spread like wildfire because it's almost a second or third world lifestyle there. People would get sick; some would run to other villages trying to get away, but only spread it further. Then it jumps, a sick person gets on an airplane and goes to…oh I don't know…London, Paris, even Moscow. Suddenly millions of people are exposed and that's the point of no return; you have a worldwide outbreak. No government would be able to react fast enough to stop it. It could be all over the globe in a day or two and there would not be anything anyone could do about it."

"Excuse me, Mistress Saya, but how would you fight something like this?" asked Mac from the driver's seat.

"Good question, Mac," Saya acknowledged. "Best as I can tell, head shot, whither from a gun, club or blade. Destroy the brain, destroy the menace. The best defense in this case is a good offence, attack and attack fast. The biggest question or problem is what attracts them. In your dream, Takashi, they were attracted by sound, but in other works they seem to go to movement and smell also. If it was only sound, once this was found out, it would not be too hard to evade the infected. If they also had smell…well that's a whole different matter."

"So what would you do to survive it?" Takashi asked as Mac nodded.

"Preparation," Saya said. "Just like any other disaster, being prepared ahead of time is best. Food, medical supplies, weapons with sufficient supplies of ammunition."

They pulled up to the school and after thanking Mac, the teens got out. They walked slowly, still talking about the subject.

"You're taking this mighty serious, Saya. Why?" Takashi asked.

Saya frowned a little, "I'm not sure. I know you keep saying it was just a dream, but there is something…something that tells me to look into this more. I…I don't really understand it myself yet."

"Oh by the way, it happened again yesterday."

Saya looked concerned, "What happened? Did you have another spell?"

He nodded, "Yeah, right after Rei slapped me and ran off, I was squatting down taking a breath to calm myself and a little girl walked up. It was the child, Alice. She was playing in the park and her mother was with her. Alice came to check on me because she saw Rei slap me and then her mother came over to see why I was talking to her child. I thought for a minute there she was going to call the police, but I got her to understand I was just having a dizzy spell."

"So you were only dizzy and did not pass out?" the girl asked.

"That's right," he replied. "So far the only one that has had a fainting effect on me is Busujima-senpai."

Saya stopped by the fountain that was in the middle of the courtyard. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on Takashi. "I was gonna keep my mouth shut, but not anymore. Takashi, I think Busujima-senpai is starting to get interested in you." The boy stared at her for a second as she waved her finger at him, "No, she hasn't said anything, but there is something about the way she looks at you when you walk up. She has this…interest in her eyes like she is evaluating you. Also she smiles and makes jokes when you are around and from what I've been told, that is not her normal personality."

"Ah…" Takashi said as he shook his head, "Thanks for telling me, but I'm not going to pursue her, Saya."

Saya's eyes narrowed, "If she's interested why not?"

"I'm…I'm really not sure. If something happens, it happens. I'm not going to run away from her, but for me to act on something like this because of a dream? I just don't know."

Saya sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut, but I don't exactly think you're right this time."

Takashi just shrugged his shoulders as they entered their classroom.

000

Noontime came and the boys had just finished their lunch when Saya walked back into the classroom.

"Hey Takagi, what are you up to?" Takashi asked as she walked up.

"Hmm, not much, still doing that research I was working on this morning. Hey Hirano, you got time to talk to me about something?" she asked.

Kohta blinked in surprise as Takashi and Morita stared at Saya with puzzled looks on their faces. "Ah…umm…yes Takagi-san, if you need to…"

"Good. Come with me then," she said as she headed out the door and waved for him to follow her.

The boy sat blinking for a second before jumping up and racing behind her.

Morita looked at Takashi and said, "Was I dreaming or did Takagi just call Hirano out?"

Takashi laughed, "Don't make it sound like something it's not! She's been hot and heavy on a research project all morning. I guess she decided he had some knowledge she needed."

Morita thought about this for a bit and then leaned close. Speaking softly he said, "But, ain't that how nerds find mates? Over research projects, I mean."

Takashi almost passed out trying to hold the laughter in as Morita chuckled.

000

Saya led Kohta down the halls till they came to the library. He followed her to a study room that was on one side where she had papers and books spread out on the table. Sitting down she motioned for him to have a seat on the other side.

He sat quietly, and nervously, as she moved some papers around and then took up her pencil and note pad.

"Now Hirano," she said. "What do you know about zombies? More importantly, how would you go about killing zombies?"

Kohta stared at her openmouthed, "Zo…zom…zombies, Takagi-san?! You mean like in Night of the Living Deador something like that?"

She nodded, "Yeah that's a good example. Zombie apocalypse has come, you and several friends are trying to survive, what would you do?"

His mind raced as he ran through scenarios. His rapid breathing and panic at being alone with Saya calmed, as his mind ran through and processed the information she had given him. "Ah…well, you said I was with friends, so that means we need food, water and other means of staying alive. What country are we in?"

Saya almost looked as if she would blow up, but then stopped and got thoughtful, "Hmm, I guess you're right, that might make a difference on how you react. Okay let's say you're in Japan for now."

Kohta nodded, his mind was getting into the exercise now, "Hmm…well guns are not readily available here so I would think a baseball bat or a metal pipe. If the zombies are like the ones I've seen in movies, you need to crush the head to stop them."

Saya nodded, "Alright then, if you could have guns, what would you want?"

Kohta's eyebrows rose at this, "Well…I guess I would have to say the M16, the gun the American military uses."

Saya's eyes narrowed, "That's a machine gun, right?"

Kohta leaned forward putting his elbows on the table and tapping his left hand with his right index finger, "It can shoot on automatic like a machine gun, but it is really still just an automatic rifle. It would be best to fire it on single shot, one shot one kill, rather than 'rock n roll', blowing off rounds like there is no tomorrow. Another thing, firing on automatic is not very accurate and it will heat up the barrel of the gun faster, which also effects aim."

Saya smirked, "So you know a lot about this, huh?"

Kohta blushed and sat upright again, putting his hands in his lap, "Ah…why do you ask, Takagi-san?"

Saya realized she had put him on the defensive about his hobby. "Hey, look, don't get bent. Someone told me you knew a lot about military stuff and I needed someone with expertise. Since I kind of know you, I thought it would be best to ask you. If you don't want to, I'll understand."

Kohta relaxed again and taking a breath he nodded, "If it does not bother you to deal with a military otaku, I'll be glad to help."

Saya nodded, "Good. We understand each other. Okay, let's start out by you making a list of the weapons you would most like to have for this."

Kohta smiled as she watched. This seemed to be the first genuine smile she had seen from the boy. It was not forced and there was warmth behind it that seemed to glow."

He nodded as she handed him a note pad to write on.

000

A short time later they were both leaning over the table as they looked at his list.

"So," Saya said, "You would prefer something with a…7.62mm round than the 5.56mm the M16 uses, but, the 5.56 is smaller and lighter so more can be carried."

"That's right," Kohta replied, "Also the .45 ACP has more stopping power then the 9mm, but unless you have some type of extended magazine, you're back to the problem of keeping a supply of ammo ready to quickly use."

They both looked up and realized they were face to face with each other, only inches apart, close enough to feel each other's breath.

After a second of drinking in her eyes, Kohta jumped back. "Ah! I'm sorry, Takagi-sama! I didn't mean to get so close to you! Please excuse me!"

Saya, blushing, replied, "It's alright, Hirano, I know you didn't mean anything by it. We were both caught up in our work."

Kohta nodded as he sat back and relaxed. He had never felt so comfortable around a girl before. Saya put on a tough front, but once she became engrossed in what she was doing, she really mellowed out.

He watched quietly as she finished her notes and started stacking them.

Glancing up she said, "You got mighty quiet all of a sudden. Is something wrong?"

He took a deep breath and…shook his head. "No Takagi-san, I was just thinking about what we were doing. Why the sudden interest in zombies and guns? If I may ask that is."

Saya thought for a minute, that's not what he was going to say… "Umm, let's just say I suddenly had an idea about the ways the world could end. Zombie apocalypse was one of them, so I was collecting data on parts of it. By the way, what do you think of swords?"

"For this?" Kohta asked. "Well personally I think they would be fine for a short while, but even the best katana dulls, and soon you would be in danger because you might have no time to stop and sharpen it. Really though, Busujima-senpai would be better to answer that question."

"Oh…yeah…and that would give me a good reason to talk to her about something else also. Good idea, Hirano."

He nodded, "I'm glad I could help you, Takagi-sama, and if I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call me." He picked up a pen and wrote his cell number and email on a note before giving it to Saya.

Taking it, she stared at it for a minute and then nodded, "Okay, I'll keep that in mind."

000

They walked back toward the classroom together, but Kohta broke off for the bathroom. Saya arrived to find the room mostly deserted except for Morita and a couple of others.

Walking over, she looked around and asked, "Where's Komuro?"

Morita looked up from a magazine he was reading, "Oh, Takagi-san, he said he was going out to his 'spot' to think, but I don't know where that is though."

Saya thought for a second and then nodded, "I think I know what he's talking about." She headed down the hall and went out the exit door at the end. Stepping out a little bit she looked up the open stairway and thought she saw movement on the third level. Sighing, she stepped over to the stairs and started to climb.

Takashi was leaning on the rail looking toward the courtyard and gate as Saya came up behind him. Not saying anything, she stood next to him for a minute, seeing what he was seeing.

"So…what brought you out here, as if I need to ask," she said.

Takashi shrugged, "Just thinking. Suddenly I felt the urge to be in this spot."

They just stood there for a while, letting the sun warm them. Finally Saya spoke up, "Are you regretting what you did yesterday?"

Takashi was quiet for a minute, but then shook his head. "No, in fact I feel a bit relieved over the whole thing. The pressure of worrying if I'm going to offend her every day is off, and I can just pay attention to what's going on around me."

As they watched, they saw Saeko walking across the courtyard heading towards the sports dojos.

"Ah I wish she would look up!" Saya said. "I need to talk to her…oh…that's right, I have her email." She quickly took out her phone and typed a message.

Saeko paused and pulled her cell from her pocket and then with a puzzled look on her face, her head rose and she began to scan the buildings. Focusing on the pair she smiled and waved.

Saya and Takashi waved back and Saya typed out another message. Her phone buzzed a minute later and Saeko bowed slightly towards them and went on her way.

"She says to tell you hello," Saya said as she read the screen.

"Ah, okay," Takashi replied. "Um, so did she say anything else?"

Saya shook her head no, "We're going to meet after her practice. Do you want me to give her a message?"

"Ah…no…well, just say hello for me," he said.

Saya hung her head for a minute before speaking, "Takashi? Why not me?"

"What do you mean 'why not you'?" he asked in return, his mind racing with thoughts of danger.

"We've been together…friends, forever…but you were always looking at Rei. What is so wrong with me that you never looked at me in that way?"

Takashi closed his eyes for a minute as he reached down in himself. He knew he had to word this carefully or things would blow up and he didn't need or want that. "There's nothing wrong with you, Saya. You're beautiful, smart, and when you're not being so bossy, you're really fun to be around. Any guy would be really lucky for you to be his girlfriend. But…I just never got that feeling for you. I don't know how to explain it, but I've always been happy you were there as my friend. I depend on you Saya…just as you are."

She stood with her head down for a minute before wiping her eyes. "Boy…you let me down well, Takashi. I'm sorry I troubled you, but I just had to say something before…well…before you moved on. I know I give you a hard time, but I just want you to do your best, and sometimes…sometimes I just get…so lonely…"

Takashi did something that he never thought he would do. He turned to her and hugged her to his chest. Saya gasped in surprise at first and then relaxed into his arms. "You didn't trouble me," he said. "I do like you, Saya; you're the person I can rely on most of all when I need support, but I know there is someone out there for you."

"Did you see them in your dream?" she asked, her voice muffled in his chest.

Takashi sighed, "Well kind of. I'm not going to say anything because I might jinx something."

She nodded, "I understand, but don't let me make a stupid mistake and miss a chance…okay?"

"Okay," he replied as he started to pull away. Only she was not letting go. "Ah, Saya? You can let go now."

She shook her head no; it was still buried in his chest, and said, "Noooo…so warmmmm…"

Takashi cracked up. Laughing so hard he had to steady himself by holding the rail as Saya continued to hold on to him moaning, "Waaarrrrmmmm!"

Finally she cracked up and let him go. Taking a step back she suddenly got an evil look in her eye. She beat him with her fists on his arm and shoulder. "Lecher! Cretin! Don't be touching me!"

This only caused Takashi to laugh harder because she was really not hitting him hard, but more in a play fashion.

She paused in her attack as behind her she heard, "Um…Takagi-san?"

Looking towards the door, they found Kohta standing there with a puzzled look on his face.

"Help me Hirano! She's gone mad! Mad I tell you!" Takashi cried out as he laughed.

Saya turned on a stunned Kohta, "Oh! You want a piece of this otaku boy!? I'll teach you to interfere with my evil plans!" With that she went after Kohta, backing him up in the corner where she began to pummel him.

Kohta was shocked at first and then began to laugh. He tried to fend off her attacks by blocking, but finally grabbed Saya's hands and pulled her close.

Then, realizing what he had done, froze in terror. They stood there, chest to chest, staring at each other.

"Ahhhhh…Takagi-san I'm sorry!" Kohta cried out as he let go of her and threw his arms up in the air. "I didn't mean to touch you and restrain you like that!"

She lay against his chest for a minute just looking at him. Then she smirked and softly pushed away. "It's alright, Hirano, you didn't do anything wrong. We were playing that's all. Why did you come looking for us anyway?"

The boy relaxed as a drop of sweat ran down his face, "Ah…I had thought of some other things you might want to consider in your plan to save the world."

"Save the world?" she repeated. "Oh…hmm…" She looked at Takashi, "So what are we doing, Takashi? Thinking about saving the world? Or just us?"

Takashi smirked, "So are you asking 'Save the Cheerleader, Save the World' Saya?" he asked as he quoted a popular TV show.

Saya snorted, "More like 'Save the genius, save the world' to me!" She winked at Kohta, "OR save the otaku, save the world."

Kohta laughed with them then, "No Takagi-san, it's the otkau that will save the world! When tragedy strikes, the otaku will rise!"

Saya laughed as she started in the door, "I like mine better! Save the genius! Save the world! Come on you two, let's get to work!"

The door close behind her and Kohta turned to Takashi with a puzzled look on his face, "Komuro? What is she talking about?"

Takashi laughed and patted his friend on the shoulder, "I'll tell you sometime, Hirano."