Chapter 8 - Improvements

"So we have several things we need to tackle today. Firstly, I want to get the primary power back up to our building. To do that I will need to scavenge some solar panels, a battery bank, and some inverters. I would like to have functional power so we all can have some more creature comforts back...like A/C.", I stated which received nods from all, "In addition, we need to hit up some local pharmacies for medical equipment and medicine. I would also like a team to focus on blocking off the alleys behind the building. It will help narrow the approach for the undead."

"Seems easy enough.", Takashi said with a nod.

"How are we dividing up?", Koko asked.

"I will take Kyoko with me. Saeko and the Kendo club will take Shizuka around to the pharmacies to get what she needs. The rest of you will work on blockading the back areas, till we return.", I stated, "Depending on the remaining time, we will need to start looking for parts for the bus. That may get pushed back till tomorrow though."

"Okay.", she responded.

"Any questions?", I inquired.

"Do we need do beef them up with wooden spikes?", Kohta answered, "It will slow them down, and give us time to attack them safely."

"Yes, place them in front of the barricades and in the roadway in a way that allows vehicles to pass.", I told him.

"Got it!", he saluted.

"Now we are going to be unable to communicate due to the airwaves being jammed with chatter.", I stated, "We stay away from camp no longer than three hours today. With the horde that passed last night, there will likely be stragglers around. Watch each other's back, don't act reckless either."

"Roger.", everyone said as we split off.

---Victor's Team---

Heading towards the local library, I remembered that they had installed the system I was after six months prior to this shit storm. I could have come alone, but I didn't want to leave Kyoko by herself. Besides, I needed to train her in common tasks so she could continue to contribute to the group. I didn't want her becoming too lazy or overly dependent on me to do everything for her.

"Alright, I am going to show you how to work with power tools and these electronics.", I told her as we got on the roof.

"Alright.", she said with a determined look.

"This model of solar panels has a toggle switch on the back to cut power output. Without the switch, these units continuously output a lot of wattage.", I told her.

"Got it!!", she said flicking the power off on the other panels.

Helping me remove them from the roof, we loaded them into the back of the van, and onto the roof. Getting the batteries and inverters in as well, the back of the van was sagging pretty bad.

"Gee I hope we don't get pulled over by a cop.", I chuckled.

"Hehe.", she laughed, "If I may, you are surprisingly mature for a young man your age. I expected you to want many women in your bed."

"I do, but I am very picky about who gets in my bed.", I replied, "The only reason I slept with you was because you are a hard working woman. Back in school people used to think you were desperate for men by how you acted. Having gotten to know you, I know that was just a image I got from others. The Kyoko I know is willing to put the effort in to learning new things, intelligent, and my lover."

"I see.", she said kissing me, "It's the first time in a while that a man has complimented me in an affectionate way."

"Really?", I inquired getting into the driver's seat.

"Yes, you have seen me completely naked now. You are the first man I ever let see me that way, I have only ever dated a few men. The men treated me alright, but they wanted me to sire children and be a stay at home mother. I wanted to make something of myself, not be just like how my mother was.", she said giving herself a pity laugh, "Those relationships ended badly, and so when I became a teacher I tried look for a colleague to date."

"You really chose the wrong school.", I snickered.

"Hehe, I am well aware of that.", she laughed thinking of all the old men in the school, "The PE teacher was attractive though, but he never looked at me. I asked him out once, and he called me a plain woman."

"Say what?", I gasped, "I think you are great."

"I know...honestly, I never thought I would end up sleep with one of my students.", she told me, "Shizuka and I liked you more than just a student. You act really mature, and I have to say...you are really strong. I couldn't believe what I saw yesterday."

"Yeah...I learned a lot in Military Boarding School.", I admitted.

"Why did you father put you there?", she asked.

"Since it doesn't matter anymore, my father was Delta Force. He was always off doing work around the globe, and my mother died when I was 3. He stuck around till I was 5 then sent me off so he could continue his career.", I said.

"That's...that's horrible.", she stated holding my hand.

"It's alright, all those skills are what is keeping us alive.", I told her, "Besides that, it allows me to support all of my lovers. I have no idea when things will return to normal, but I know the world won't go back to the same way it was."

"I know...", she said.

"No use worrying about that now.", I replied, "Once we get this stuff hooked up, I think we will have some free time. If you want we can sneak away for some fun before the others return."

"Of course.", she answered with a kiss.

---Saeko's group---

Having hooked them up with a car, Shizuka ended up driving them around. Giving her directions to places I marked down for them, they went from place to place taking what they could. Unfortunately most places had been looted by druggies so what was left was only a few items. Getting to the fourth place, something came to mind for Shizuka.

"Do you girls all take the pill or the shot?", Shizuka asked.

"Uh...", the three retorted.

"I am asking because we should probably grab pills while we are here.", Shizuka stated.

"I think we will be fine.", Saeko replied.

"Really? I thought you were intimate with Victor. If that is the case it wouldn't be smart to get pregnant.", Shizuka said.

"I will discuss it with him.", Saeko answered, "My pill doesn't wear off till the end of the month anyways."

"What about the others?", Shizuka inquired.

"Rei and Saya are also on the monthly pill too, I can't say anything for Kyoko.", she responded.

"I am on the monthly pill.", Pucca said.

"I don't use anything but the day after pill.", Amelia confirmed.

"Oh right, you were sleeping with him to get back at your parents.", Pucca remembered.

"I had a very casual relationship with Victor. My family already determined who I would marry, I kind of-"

"We know.", Pucca and Saeko said.

"Another one!?", Shizuka gasped.

"I didn't want to date him, it was my way of getting back at my parents.", Amelia stated, "Victor knew we couldn't be together, but was fine being friends with benefits. I was the one who suggested it to him to begin with. Having my partner chosen for me never sat well with me, and well...it was nice being in Victor's arms when my parents would berate me over the littlest things."

"Oh my, you all seem to really like him.", Shizuka stated as they got out.

"He is a very kind guy, and treats us well.", Pucca said, "You know how hard it is to carry on a conversation with a guy, and not have him send you an unsolicited dick pic? Boys at school were just too immature, and we wanted some fun. Victor is mature, good looking, and at least pleasures us instead just pleasuring himself."

"Oh?", Shizuka questioned.

Before she could reply another group of people in an SUV showed up. Hopping out of the car, another group of women and a young man jumped out. Carrying duffle bags like them, Saeko was concerned how this would go down till she saw someone she recognized.

"Yuko!!", Shizuka giggled running over to her, "It's been forever since I saw you!!"

Reach for his side piece, the young man was going to attack but one of the women told him to stop.

"She is a friend of mine.", Yuko told him, "She isn't a threat."

"Yuko!!", Shizuka shouted giving her a hug, "Is Rika with you?"

"It's nice to see you Shizuka.", Yuko laughed, "No, Rika is out at the airport pulling security for high profile clients."

"I am so happy you are fine. I know you work at the hospital, and I was worried those things would get you.", Shizuka stated, "With all sick and dying people...I thought you might have been overrun!"

"It wasn't easy.", Yuko laughed, "How did you four manage to get this far?"

"The young man I told Rika and you about at the school saved a bunch of us, and has been acting as our leader.", Shizuka told her.

"Who?", a silver haired girl demanded.

"It's Victor, Mikoto. Victor is the one leading our group.", Saeko told her with a smile.

"He's okay!? I tried calling the Embassy, but I couldn't get through before the cellular connection dropped.", Mikoto sighed with relief.

"His father abandoned him at the Embassy.", Saeko told her with crossed arms.

"I knew his dad was suspicious.", Mikoto snapped.

"You know this Victor fellow?", Yuko asked with a curious look, "You rarely take an interest in men."

"He's the son of the US Ambassador.", Mikoto told her, "He's a very close friend of mine and Arashi."

"Friend is cutting it close.", he refuted in displeasure.

"Oh stop it, you're just upset he has a girlfriend.", Mikoto teased.

"Oh shut up, it's the fact he has more than one that pisses me off.", Arashi snapped.

"If we need your protection, we will ask for it.", the Kendo women snapped, "Stop being a prick about it, you little dick bitch."

Telling them all to calm down, Yuko asked why they were here. Stating they were here to get medicines, Yuko said they were here for the same reason. Offering to split the loot, Shizuka was more than happy to agree. Walking in together, Mikoto followed Saeko around till they were alone.

"Is Victor okay?!", Mikoto said in a panic, "I tried texting and calling him, but I wasn't able to get through."

"He is fine, he's been keeping us safe. You'll be happy to know most of the Archery Club is with us. I know you didn't go that often, but you considered them friends.", Saeko said loading up on pills.

"That's wonderful to hear, I was worried he would have been taken away by Umbrella Corp. They are-", she started to say.

"We know, they killed about thirty people across the street from us two days ago.", Saeko said, "Victor suspects they are involved with these things."

"They are.", Mikoto told her, "I can't tell you how I know, but this is all their doing."

"Still hiding things from us.", Saeko giggled.

"I have to for your safety.", Mikoto said, "His father...he may have been involved too. You need to ask Victor if he knows anything."

"I can do that.", Saeko replied, "I am surprised you tolerate mister angry all the time, he's a prick at school and at work apparently."

"He's a nice guy.", Mikoto argued, "When he want's to be..."

"As nice as Victor?", Saeko teased.

Shaking her head, Mikoto refused to answer. Saeko knew about her relationship with Victor, and didn't mind. She also knew Mikoto was involved with dangerous people which made things hard for her. Mikoto almost Victor out before he asked her out so Saeko had a bit of pity for her. That said, she knew they had stuff going on between each other. She had come over several times, and found Mikoto showering in his bathroom.

"I will let Victor know you are okay.", Saeko told her.

"Thanks.", Mikoto said, "I was worried he got caught in one of the Tokyo hordes."

While the two of them were talking Shizuka and Yuko we're catching up. It had been months since they had seen each other, and they were happy to catch up. Having met through Rika, the two of them hit off very quickly. At first Yuko had suspected Shizuka was a spy, but eventually determined she was just an airhead. The last time she saw Shizuka was at Rika's house a few months back during a girls night.

"So this young man Victor has been taking care of all of you?", Yuko asked.

"Oh yes, he has been making sure we have food, water, and a nice hot bath.", Shizuka giggled, "He's the same boy I told you about that I like to tease. Two days ago he came in with one of those rifle things saved me. I was almost those disgusting things lunch! When those mean old men from Umbrella broke into our first base, Victor got us into the vault before they could harm us. Honestly...I am very happy he saved me, seeing him open the door with his big smile...it made me feel safe."

"Hehe, how romantic.", Yuko teased.

"I didn't mean like that.", Shizuka puffed her cheeks.

"Still though, how did he manage to smuggle a rifle into school?", Yuko asked.

"Well...he told us that he woke up late and when he was about to leave he saw those monsters attacking people. He called most of people in our group, and told them to get to the roof. After that we...", Shizuka told her everything without thinking about.

Fortunately Yuko was her friend, and didn't want to harm her. That said Yuko felt something was slightly off about everything. Why did a 17 year old student have so much military knowledge? How did he get trained, and for what purpose was he trained? For the moment Yuko was confident based on Shizuka's explanation that this Victor wasn't an immediate threat. That said...he was definitely someone that needed to be investigated.

"You be careful Shizuka.", Yuko warned.

"You mean Victor?", Shizuka laughed, "He isn't a bad guy, he even shot that creepy man that always tried to get me alone with him."

"He shot Shido?", Yuko asked narrowing her eyes.

"He was going to sacrifice a student to save his own life. I saw it happen, Victor shot him in the knee caps with a revolver.", Shizuka boasted.

"About how far was he from Shido?", her sister Yoko asked interjecting into the conversation.

"Mm...maybe about 150 meters, but I may be wrong.", Shizuka replied, "He did it on a quick draw too."

"Interesting...", the sisters said.

The two sisters relationship was strained, at best. This whole apocalypse thing was the only reason they were together. Yoko had been out on a job when this started, and by the time she got back to base her employer was deceased along with her coworkers. A massive horde had overwhelmed them, and led to their untimely demise...though she didn't shed a tear over them. Using the opportunity to try to make up with Yuko, she had been fighting along side her for almost a day now.

'A quick draw at that range with enough accuracy and reflex to take out both kneecaps...that isn't a lucky shot. This kid is very well trained.', the sisters thought.

"Shizuka, maybe you should consider coming back with-"

Before Yuko could finish the sentence, everyone heard the sounds of vehicle engines approaching. Peering out the window Arashi clicked his tongue.

"Shit it's Umbrella Corp!!", he shouted, "They followed us from the hospital!"

"Fuck, Saeko make sure you tell Victor to come to the Hospital. We could use his help there.", Mikoto said before running off.

"You aren't going to fight without me.", Saeko said with a smile catching up with her.

"Ugh...after all this you still want to fight people.", Mikoto laughed.

"Of course.", Saeko laughed, "I am who I am."

"Fine, just be ready. Umbrella Corp is after our group, we managed to slip away from the hospital but they tracked us down.", Mikoto said before joining her group, "They kept us pinned there for some reason, and we have lost a lot of good people."

Rushing towards the front door, the first thing they saw was dozens of armored men awaiting them. Pushing them out of the way, Mikoto and Yuko pushed Shizuka's group down just as the men opened fire. Peppering the building with armor piercing rounds, the bullets screamed over head as every stayed down.

"Shit!!", Arashi shouted, "My armor isn't going to do shit against them!"

"I can go!", Sayo said.

"No!! You will die before they get too you!!", Yuko told her.

"We can't stay here!!", Saeko remarked.

"She's right, we need to get out the back!", Yoko spat.

Suddenly the bullets stopped firing, and everything went dead silent. Instinctively Sayo felt something was off.

"We have to go!!", she said moving towards the back door.

"Wait what do you-", Shizuka replied before she felt the ground shake.

Immediately everyone took off running towards the back door.

---Home Base---

Working with Kyoko on the roof, we had finished hooking up everything up. Making a mechanism to move the panels as the sun moved, I wanted to harness as much power as I could for the night time.

"That was easier than expected.", Kyoko said with a smile, "I would have thought this would have been more complicated."

"Nah, if you have the right materials it's very easy.", I replied, "Let's flick the power on."

Having wired the inverters into the panel, all we needed to do was flick the breakers on. Going one by one to see how much it could handle, I was relieved we could run the whole facility for about 10 hours on batteries alone per the display on the inverters. Cutting off power to unused areas of the building would increase that, but that could be taken care of later.

Feeling the A/C kick on, Kyoko sighed blissfully as the cold air hit her. Giving me a kiss, she pulled me into towards the bathroom for some privacy and I wasn't going to say no. Unbuttoning her top as we approached I was going to enjoy this reward, but before we got inside a loud explosion rang out from some distance away. Stopping what she was doing, the two of us ran outside as she fixed her shirt.

In the direction Saeko's group had gone a massive plume of smoke was now rising into the air. Thankfully I had tagged my lovers in my system so I could monitor their health and stamina from my HUD before leaving this morning. Viewing her information, it appeared she was injured and in combat judging by how her stamina was going down.

"I am going, Saeko's group is that way.", I told her, "Get everyone inside, and hunker down. That noise is going to bring a horde."

"Understood!", she said running off.

'If this has something to with Umbrella Corp, I am going to rip those assholes apart.', I thought hot wiring a bike, 'Hang Saeko, I am on my way!'