CHAPTER 12

We're in a car right now, me and Saeko at the front. Kikyo, Saya and Kohta at the back. I'm driving. Shizuka, Rei and Takashi are on the bike ahead of us and I'm thinking this is the perfect time to further my plans. We're pretty silent, there must be a lot on people's minds right now. That might be bad.

"so, that just happened," no response. Expected.

"tough crowd, ok then I'll be serious and straight to the point then, the world has changed, so must we. We'll have to make some pretty tough decisions from here on out, we might not like it but it needs to be done,"

"what are you talking about?" Saya asks.

I don't know if you've noticed Takagi san but society as a whole has gone to shit, people can now get away with things they wouldn't normally be able to. This will make people less than agreeable with each other. People will pillage… and rape will follow,"

I let the words sink in before continuing.

"trust is the most expensive thing right now because it's in short supply, we need to have each other's backs or we won't make it out of this alive,"

"shouldn't we all be involved in this conversation, it's not fair that we are leaving them out of this," Saya points at the motorcycle ahead of us. They seem to be having fun.

"aside from the fact that the boy is intent on portraying me as a criminal, I would much rather not put my trust in a girl who chooses herself when shit goes down,"

I don't think it's fair to-"

"Busujima, she ran out of the bus, alone, in the middle of the night, without backup. Either she's really stupid or… she knew he would come after him. I don't know which is worse,"

I just want you to know that if the situation ever calls for it, if I'm ever in a position where I'm forced to choose between us and some other group, I'll choose us,"

"even if that means people have to die," Saya again.

"I'm hoping it doesn't come to it but yes, even if it means people will die, even if it means I have to be the one to kill,"

My words cause the car to turn silent again. Saeko looks ahead, no words from her. Kohta has his eyes closed. Takagi is looking out the window and Kikyo is rubbing her temples.

"so what can you do Takagi?"

"huh? Why do you ask?"

"it's good to know the strengths of your group, plus if we're going to be together for the foreseeable future, it wouldn't hurt to know more about each other,"

"well if you must know, I am a genius," she crosses her arms and looks away from me. I can't help but find her behavior endearing. She's probably embarrassed at how I put it. It's really funny to me and so I laugh.

"what are you laughing at?!" she becomes more flustered. How entertaining.

"no reason, I've just never met a genius who so proudly proclaims her intellectual status, forgive me," then I laugh some more.

"stop that it's not funny at all,"

"you're right, I'm sorry," I laugh some more.

"what are you a genius at specifically,"

"hmm?"

"is it studies alone or do you excel in other areas as well,"

"I can do anything, I am a genius after all,"

"I'm sure you are," I laugh some more. It seems my laughter is contagious because everyone has joined in on it. Even Saeko who seemed the most reserved about all this. Saya just remains embarrassed and glares at me.

This lightens the mood from the previous depressing atmosphere, morale is important after all.

We make it to Shizuka's place and alight our vehicles. I made us park some ways away so we don't attract the zombies' attention. My suggestion was followed but not without some attitude from the two idiots. We make quick work of the zombies around the place and finally we're back in a safe zone.

The girls are first to freshen up, we on the other hand are looking through the weapons cache. It really makes me call bullshit. How lucky these main characters were, a house at the start that is not only well protected but also has guns which are a hassle to get in Japan. Close ties to influential people. They had it all. I'm not complaining though give me all the benefits please.

We need materials, I can't make things without it and we can't I can't do it with this fucking debt. Couldn't it come after I was finished setting up my base. I promise I would have no problem going out to show those fuckers who's boss around here. But no, I have to… no I should stop right there.

Springfield match m1a rifle,armalite ar-10(T) and the Ithaca m37. which one do I want. The shotgun looks pretty nice, I'll stay away from the armalite for now. That's Kohta's main weapon if I remember correctly. Eh screw it I'll take the shotgun, more power equals more zombies dead. I would also look super cool using it.

"dibs on the shotgun," I say as I pick it up. I do some basic maintenance check on the gun seems good enough. Props to you Rika. Without saying much I load up the gun and sling it on my back.

"Ooooh Atlas, I didn't know you were knowledgeable in guns,"

"what are you talking about, I of course am a man of culture, just like you," I put my arms around his shoulder.

"guns are a man's romance after all," I continue which makes the gun nut furiously nod.

"you people are idiots," Takashi shakes his head. Look who's talking.

"Kohta, this right here is what you call… a skill issue,"

"pff-"