Chapter 41: Plans Forward, Saya’s Home, Rika Has A Humvee, And Girls’ Only Bath. (Bonus Chapter)

(Bonus Chapter Due to Power Stones, Thank You to all who support my work! Special Thanks to all who have given me reviews. Thank you, your support keeps me going.)

That night, the group lounged around the dimly lit apartment, bellies full, spirits lifted, however temporarily. The weight of reality hadn't left them, but the warm meal and camaraderie dulled its sharp edge.

Kohta leaned against the couch, still cradling the sniper rifle. "So, what's the plan? We can't stay here forever, especially with what Guldrin said about power and supplies. If the power goes out, the world will panic even more than it already has. Death will be at every corner, humanity, or whatever is left of it, will fall to ruin."

Saya adjusted her glasses, her analytical mind already spinning. She remembered her conversation with her mother at the beginning of the outbreak. "We need a destination. I was able to call my mother before we left the school and found out she had established a safe zone at our estate. It's fortified, and they have resources. If we can get there, we'll be safe, at least safer than here. My Mom was once a member of the JSDF herself, even if she did retire and become a businesswoman."

Rei frowned. "That's easier said than done. Getting there means traveling through the city, and we have no idea what the situation is like out there. The streets could be swarming with them."

Shiro clung to Guldrin's arm while he cleaned, her small but clearly growing frame barely taking up any space, her presence grounding him. "Hubby-San will protect us. Even injured, he will do it." Her statement was simple, yet it held an unshakable conviction. If Guldrin could shoot down Lance with 4 bullet wounds; a few broken ribs and some healing gashes won't stop him.

Saeko's brows creased and there was a hint of… Jealously? But quickly she composed herself and rested her chin on her hand. "Saya's family estate is our best option for now. But we need to consider contingencies. The route must be scouted, and we need to move cautiously. A single mistake could cost us everything. Plus, I could use a new weapon, this bokken will do for now, but to be able to fully display my swordsmanship, I need a sword."

Guldrin, who had been quietly cleaning the kitchen, spoke up without looking back. "She's right. We'll need to break it down step by step. First, transportation. On foot, we're too slow and too vulnerable. Does anyone know where we can find a vehicle that can fit all of us? I am sure Takashi would have taken the bus, I would bet my next meal on it."

Rei didn't even hesitate and rushed to the window, looking down she saw the bus wasn't there anymore. "He... Stole our bus? How could he do that to us?" She became depressed, but this just confirmed her doubts about Takashi, and she closed the sliding door before entering the dining area again.

Everyone scowled hearing Rei's words, but Shizuka's eyes lit up. "Rika has a Humvee! She leaves it parked at the parking garage down the street, in a secure lot. If it's still there, it could be perfect. I have the passcode for it, she used to have me take it to get serviced when she was too drunk to do it herself."

Kohta sat upright. "A Humvee? That thing's built like a tank! If we can get to it, we'd have a much better chance of making it to Saya's place."

Saya crossed her arms. "Fine. But getting to the parking garage is no small task. We'll need a solid plan to get there without drawing attention."

Rei pulled her knees to her chest, her expression distant. "And what if it's gone? What if someone else took it already?"

Shizuka smiled softly, opening her third can of beer, and tried to reassure her. "Rika's not the type to leave something like that unprotected. She would've made sure it was secure. She used to pay quite the premium to keep that vehicle secured, only I and she should have the code to open the garage door where it is stored."

Saeko leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Let's assume we can secure the Humvee. The next step is choosing the safest route to Saya's estate. Saya, you have those maps do they cover the whole prefecture, or can they help us with our plan?"

Saya nodded, rising to retrieve her bag. She pulled out a folded map of the city, spreading it across the table. "Here. This shows the major streets and landmarks. The shortest route is through the downtown district, but that's probably crawling with them."

Guldrin walked over, wiping his hands on a towel, his ribs making him wince a little. He studied the map intently, his brow furrowing. "Too many choke points downtown. One blocked street, and we're trapped. Not to mention the police blocking the roads as we saw earlier… What about skirting around the outskirts?"

Saya traced a finger along the map. "It's longer but less populated. There's a risk of running into abandoned cars or debris, though. We'd need to clear obstacles as we go."

Shiro piped up, her voice soft but determined. "What about backroads? They're smaller, but maybe quieter?"

Kohta adjusted his glasses. "Good thinking. Backroads might work, but we'd need to be careful. If the Humvee's too big, it could get stuck. We may be able to plow right through most obstacles since the Humvee is like a rolling tank."

Rei clenched her fists. "We can't just sit here debating. Every minute we waste, things get worse out there. We need to move."

Guldrin placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone steady. "And rushing out without a plan will just get us killed. We'll move, but we'll do it smartly." Feeling his touch, she blushed and wanted to pull away but seeing Shiro giving her a death stare, she chose to stay and make her angry. It was childish, but a little revenge was welcome in her mind.

The room fell silent, the gravity of their situation settling over them like a heavy blanket. Finally, Saya spoke, her voice firm. "We leave at first light. The Humvee is our priority. If we can't secure it, we'll have to reassess. 

Guldrin nodded, "For now, we need to sleep, rest, and take in everything that happened today, rest and mental health are a must at times like this. Otherwise, we will burn out, and that isn't good for anyone."

The group nodded in agreement, the tension thick but tempered by determination.

As the night wore on, they took turns trying to reach their families. The faint hope of hearing a loved one's voice kept them going, but each failed connection chipped away at their resolve. When it was Saya's turn, her mother answered, her voice calm but urgent.

"Saya, thank goodness you're safe. Are you with others?"

"Yes, Mother. We're trying to get to you. Is the estate still secure?"

"Yes, we've fortified it, some of my military girls have rallied up, and we are holding down the fort. I want you to be careful on your way over, the roads are dangerous, people are losing their minds, and as of now, the most dangerous are the living, Saya. Be safe."

"I will," Saya promised. "We'll come as soon as we can."

Her mother hesitated before speaking again. "Saya... bring anyone you trust. We'll make room."

The call cut off, the phone lost signal, and Saya turned to the group. "They're ready for us. But we need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it gets."

Shizuka clapped her hands, breaking the heavy silence. "Alright, everyone! An early start tomorrow means we need rest. Find a spot to sleep for the night, but before that… I WANT A BATH! I am soooo icky and sticky, a warm bath should make all of us feel better… But, the boys will have to wait, no peaking"

She winked, and her cleavage drew Guldrin and Kohta's eyes. Seeing this Guldrin received a strong pinch from an angry jealous Shiro, "Still growing… Pervert." She muttered but Guldrin heard it clearly and blushed before clearing his throat, "In the morning we will take the backroads and stop by Saeko's Dojo on the way. There we should be able to find her family weapons, which will enable her to showcase her real skills."

The group dispersed, each finding a corner of the apartment to claim, the girls rushing to the bathroom to bathe and Guldrin sat near the window, his gaze fixed on the dark streets below. Now that the girls were distracted, he felt he could light a cigar and relax for the first time in a while. Kohta was focused on reassembling the .50, it was like a project he was more than happy to complete.

The girls' laughter echoed faintly from the bathroom as warm water splashed, a rare sound of levity amidst the chaos. It reminded everyone of simpler times when such moments weren't luxuries but mundane routines. Shiro had managed to wriggle into the bath first, clinging to Saeko with childlike innocence as she fondled Saeko's breast with envy. Saya and Rei sat near the edge, both sighing in relief as the steam unwound their tense muscles.

Saeko ignored Shiro's fondling and leaned back against the edge of the tub, her usual calm demeanor softened. "It's strange," she murmured, her fingers trailing through the water. "For all the horrors we've seen today, moments like this… they remind me of what we're fighting to protect."

Rei frowned, staring at the ceiling. "It's hard to think of anything normal when death is around every corner. I still see them, the people I knew… turned into those things. I don't know if I'll ever feel normal again."

Saya adjusted her steamed glasses, her sharp mind masking the ache in her heart. "None of us will. But if we lose these small moments, we've already lost everything." She hesitated before continuing, her voice quieter. "My Mom always said that strength isn't just about fighting. It's about carrying on, even when everything feels impossible."

Shizuka, her ever-cheerful tone more subdued, offered a small smile. "That's why baths are important! Clean water, warm steam, and some quiet time can heal more than just the body."

Shizuka splashed lightly, a playful grin forming as she tried to lighten the mood. "Plus, it gives us girls a chance to talk. You know, about important things." Her voice carried a teasing lilt that made Saya groan.

"Important things, huh?" Rei smirked, leaning forward as the steam curled around her. "Like how you've been sneaking glances at Guldrin whenever he's not looking?"

Shizuka gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Rei-chan! I'm a professional nurse. My eyes are just… medically trained!"

The group erupted into laughter, the tension easing slightly. Even Saeko chuckled softly, her violet eyes sparkling in the dim bathroom light. Shiro, however, puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms, water sloshing around her. "Guldrin is mine. None of you can have him!" Her mind raced thinking about how to ensure Guldrin didn't pick up more girls, even if Emily said that wasn't possible, a girl could dream.

"Meow," Emily, who was bathing in the warm water, made her stance clear, she couldn't care less if Guldrin got more girls.

Saya adjusted her glasses, the steam making them foggy as she smirked. "Possessive, aren't we? You do realize he's been treating you like a little sister this whole time, right?"

Shiro shot her a glare, splashing water toward Saya in defiance. "I'm not a little sister! Guldrin said I'm his partner. That's different, we have a bond for… Eternity!" Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and her usually composed demeanor cracked under the teasing.

"Eternal Partner, huh?" Saeko's voice was calm, but her smile held a hint of mischief. "And what does that mean to you, Shiro-chan?"

Shiro hesitated, shrinking under Saeko's amused gaze. "It means… it means he'll protect me, and I'll protect him. That's all!" But her voice wavered, and the others could tell there was more to it than she let on.

Rei leaned back, letting the water soothe her aching muscles. "Honestly, Guldrin's kind of amazing. He's been through hell today and still managed to save us more times than I can count. That's not something you see every day. Even if his methods are brutal, and he is a crass asshole sometimes, he is still doing his best."

Saeko nodded thoughtfully. "He's strong, not just in combat but in will. I've seen warriors fall apart after less, but he carries on, even when he's clearly in pain." Her tone softened, and she looked toward the ceiling, her expression unreadable. "It's… admirable."

Saya groaned, sinking lower into the water. "Ugh, you're all hopeless. He's just a guy. A reckless, overpowered guy, sure, but still just a guy." She paused, her voice tinged with frustration. "Though I'll admit, he's smarter than he looks. His suggestions have kept us alive so far."

Shizuka giggled, leaning toward Saya. "Sounds like someone's trying really hard to downplay how much she's impressed~!"

"Shut up, Shizuka!" Saya snapped, splashing her.

The lighthearted exchange continued, the girls poking fun at each other and letting their guards down for a rare moment of peace. Yet, beneath the teasing, there was an unspoken understanding: Guldrin had become more than just a teammate. Budding feelings of all kinds were filling their hearts and minds.

As the steam thickened and the water grew warmer, Shizuka suddenly perked up. "Oh! Speaking of Guldrin, did anyone notice how he looked at Saeko earlier? You know, when she was killing zombies like a goddess of death back at the school?"

Saeko raised an eyebrow, her usual poise unshaken. "And how exactly was he looking at me, Shizuka-sensei?"

Shizuka grinned mischievously. "Like he was mesmerized! I mean, who wouldn't be? You were so composed and commanding-"

Rei cut her off with a wave. "Okay, okay, we get it. Saeko's perfect. But seriously, what is Guldrin to you, Saeko? You're always so calm around him, but I've noticed the way you look at him when you think no one's watching."

Saeko hesitated for a moment, her usual confidence giving way to a rare flicker of vulnerability. "Guldrin is… intriguing. He has a strength I respect, but also a kindness that's rare in times like these. I don't know what that means yet, but I do know I trust him. Plus… He isn't repulsed by my… Darker aspects."

Shiro's ears perked up, and she leaned forward aggressively. "You can trust him, but he's mine! Guldrin doesn't need anyone else. I'll take care of him!"

'If I am not careful, Guldrin is going to charm all the girls in this world… I CAN'T let that happen!'

Saya groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're hopeless, Shiro. And you, Saeko, don't act like you're not interested. You're just better at hiding it."

Saeko gave a faint smile, letting the accusation slide. "Perhaps. But for now, we should focus on survival. Feelings can wait."

Rei sighed, her voice soft. "That's true, but it doesn't make it any easier. Having someone like Guldrin around… it's hard not to feel something."

Shizuka, ever the playful one, splashed the water and grinned. "Well, maybe we should just all agree to share him!"

The room fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter, the absurdity of Shizuka's suggestion breaking the tension. Even Shiro, despite her earlier jealousy, couldn't help but giggle.

'If… I have to accept that Guldrin will charm everyone… I could… I guess I could share… BUT I AM THE QUEEN!' Emily who heard this meowed and leaped onto her head smacking her tail into her nose, 'Little girl, I am the queen, I may be stuck in this kitten form, but that is only temporary! You have already agreed to share when you became his companion, trust me, he has more than me in his life. So~ Get~ Used~ To~ It~'

Eventually, the girls' conversation drifted to lighter topics, the warmth of the bath easing their worries. They talked about their lives before the outbreak, their dreams, and the people they'd lost. For a little while, it felt almost normal.

As they finished, Shiro lingered near the edge of the tub, her gaze distant. "Do you think… things will ever go back to how they were?" She decided to test the waters while everyone was relaxed and take their unbiased opinions.

Saeko placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Perhaps not. But that doesn't mean we can't build something new, something worth fighting for."

"Um… We have kept this to ourselves but… Guldrin and I have a warehouse by the docks, we plan to make it into a safe haven for our group… You don't have to respond now, but hopefully… Hopefully, you will join us…"

The sentiment and silence hung in the air, no one gave a direct answer, intending to see what Saya's home looked like and see all their options. The steam in the air dying out as the girls dried off and dressed in borrowed clothes. Their hearts were still heavy, but the bath had given them a moment of solace, a reminder of their humanity amidst the chaos.

As they returned to the living room, they found Guldrin still sitting by the window, a cigar in hand, and his eyes scanning the dark streets below. He turned slightly as they entered, offering a small, tired smile.

"Feeling better?" he asked, his voice steady despite the exhaustion etched into his features.

Shiro rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Hubby-san, you worked too hard. You need to rest, too!"

The others watched, a mix of amusement and quiet affection in their expressions. Despite the teasing and the uncertainty of their situation, they all felt the same unspoken gratitude: for each other, for the rare moments of peace, and for the strange, resilient boy who had brought them together.

(Give me your POWER, Please, and Thank You! Leave reviews and comments, they motivate me to continue.)

[I still need more class suggestions, comment on chapter 39 to add your suggestions. 3 days remain till I spin the wheel containing all suggestions.]