Chapter 17: Arming for the Journey
May 1, 20XX
9:00 a.m.
Rika’s Maisonette, Tokonosu City
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The morning sun was now fully up, casting a golden light over the quiet neighborhood. Inside Rika’s maisonette, the group was busy preparing for their journey to the Takagi estate, their spirits buoyed by the hearty breakfast they had just shared. However, the mood was still tinged with the underlying tension of what lay ahead.
Blake Henderson stood at the center of the room, surveying the array of weapons they had gathered. With their new acquisitions from Rika’s collection, they had more firepower at their disposal, and Blake knew that they needed to make the best use of it. He called the group together to redistribute the weapons before they set out.
“Alright, everyone,” Blake began, his tone serious. “We’ve got more weapons now, so we’re going to reassign them to make sure everyone is equipped properly. First, Kohta, I know you’ve been using the Remington 870, but I think it’s time for an upgrade.”
Kohta Hirano looked down at the Remington 870 shotgun in his hands, a pang of sadness flickering in his eyes. The shotgun had been with him from the start of their ordeal, and it had served him well. But as Blake handed him the Armalite AR-10(T) rifle, Kohta’s expression shifted to one of excitement. The AR-10 was a precision rifle, far more powerful and versatile than the Remington.
Kohta took the AR-10 with a mix of reverence and enthusiasm. “This… this is amazing,” he muttered, running his fingers over the rifle’s sleek frame. “I’ll take good care of it, Blake. I promise.”
Blake smiled, understanding Kohta’s attachment to his previous weapon. “I know you will, Kohta. You’ve proven yourself more than capable.”
Kohta nodded, still fawning over the AR-10 as he reluctantly handed the Remington 870 over to Takashi Komuro. “Here, Takashi. Take good care of her.”
Takashi accepted the shotgun with a nod of appreciation, knowing how much it meant to Kohta. “Thanks, Kohta. I’ll make sure to put it to good use.”
Kohta, still entranced by the AR-10, quickly shifted gears as he began explaining the intricacies of the Remington 870 to Takashi. “This shotgun is reliable, durable, and perfect for close encounters. It’s got a good spread, so you don’t have to be pinpoint accurate, but remember, you’ll need to get in close for maximum effect. Just keep your cool, aim for the center mass, and you’ll be fine.”
Takashi listened carefully, absorbing Kohta’s advice. He could tell that Kohta knew these weapons inside and out, and he was grateful for the guidance.
Blake then turned to Rei Miyamoto, who was standing nearby, watching the exchange with quiet interest. He held out the Springfield M1A rifle to her, along with a bayonet that he had attached to the end. “Rei, I want you to have this.”
Rei’s eyes widened slightly as she took the rifle from Blake. It was heavier than she expected, but the addition of the bayonet made it feel more familiar, more like the polearms she was used to wielding in the Sojutsu Club.
“I’ve added a bayonet,” Blake explained, “to give it a spear-like configuration. I know you’re comfortable with spear-type weapons, so this should be a good fit for you. And here’s some ammunition for it—30 rounds of NATO .308 Winchester. I’m not sure if you’ll need to fire it, but if the situation calls for it, you’ll have it ready.”
Rei nodded, her expression serious as she accepted the ammunition. “Thank you, Blake. I’ll do my best.”
Blake then began giving Rei a brief lesson on how to operate the rifle, guiding her through the basics—how to load and unload the magazine, how to aim, and how to handle the recoil. He also gave her pointers on her stance, emphasizing the importance of stability and control, especially with a rifle as powerful as the M1A.
Rei listened intently, absorbing every word. She wasn’t sure how she felt about using a gun, but she knew that in this world, she needed to be prepared for anything. As she practiced the stance Blake had shown her, Takashi suddenly remembered something and reached into his pocket.
“Blake,” Takashi said, pulling out two firearms—the Smith & Wesson Model 37 Airweight revolver he had found earlier and the Beretta 92FS pistol that Blake had given him when they got separated. He placed them on the table. “We have these two as well. How should we distribute them?”
Blake glanced at the weapons, then looked around at the group. “Good question. Let’s see who wants them.”
Saeko Busujima was the first to speak. “I’m comfortable with my katana. I don’t need a gun.”
Shizuka Marikawa shook her head, her expression slightly nervous. “I’m afraid of guns… I wouldn’t be much help with one, so I’ll pass.”
That left Saya Takagi, who had been listening quietly from the side. Blake turned to her. “Saya, would you like one of these?”
Saya hesitated, her sharp mind quickly weighing the pros and cons. She had never handled a gun before, but she knew that in this world, she needed to be able to defend herself. After a moment of contemplation, she pointed to the Beretta 92FS pistol. “I’ll take the Beretta.”
Blake nodded, picking up the pistol and offering it to her. “Good choice. The Beretta’s a reliable sidearm—easy to handle, accurate, and it has a decent magazine capacity.”
Saya accepted the pistol with both hands, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in her eyes. “I’ve never used a gun before… Can you show me how it works?”
Blake smiled, appreciating her willingness to learn. “Of course. Let’s start with the basics.”
He took the pistol from her for a moment, expertly demonstrating how to load and unload the magazine, how to chamber a round, and how to properly aim. His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his training. Kohta, who was watching from the side, couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Blake, your handling is incredible,” Kohta commented, his eyes wide with admiration. “You make it look so easy.”
Blake shrugged modestly, handing the pistol back to Saya. “It just takes practice. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.”
Saya followed Blake’s instructions, mimicking his movements as she familiarized herself with the pistol. Despite her initial uncertainty, she quickly found a rhythm, her natural intelligence allowing her to pick up the basics with surprising ease.
With the weapons redistributed and everyone equipped, the group made their final preparations to leave Rika’s maisonette. Blake took the Ithaca M37 Riot Shotgun for himself, appreciating the power and reliability it offered in close-quarters combat. The group was now fully armed and ready for whatever challenges awaited them.
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May 1, 20XX
10:00 a.m.
On the Road to the Convenience Store, Tokonosu City
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The Humvee roared to life as Shizuka Marikawa took the driver’s seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel with a mix of excitement and determination. The vehicle’s powerful engine rumbled beneath them as the group piled in, their weapons and supplies secured for the journey ahead.
In the passenger seat, Saya Takagi unfolded a map of the city, carefully marking their route to the convenience store and planning alternative paths to the Takagi estate in case of roadblocks. Her mind raced with possibilities, each scenario meticulously analyzed and prepared for.
Kohta Hirano, now equipped with the AR-10, stood halfway out of the Humvee’s gunner port, his eyes scanning their surroundings as they drove. The wind whipped through his hair as he took in every detail, his finger resting lightly on the trigger, ready to engage any threat that appeared.
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Blake and Takashi sat on opposite sides of the backseat, each near a door. Blake, ever vigilant, kept his Ithaca M37 at the ready, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Takashi, now armed with the Remington 870, mirrored Blake’s intensity, his thoughts drifting to the dangers they might encounter.
Between them sat Saeko Busujima and Rei Miyamoto. Saeko, with her katana resting across her lap, remained calm and composed, a serene expression on her face. Rei, holding the M1A rifle with its attached bayonet, sat close to Takashi, her grip on the weapon firm but unsure.
As they drove through the city, the tension in the Humvee was palpable. Every creak, every distant moan of the infected, put them on edge. But Shizuka’s driving was steady, her focus sharp as she navigated the streets with practiced ease.
The occasional thud of a zombie being crushed under the Humvee’s wheels was a grim reminder of the world outside, but Shizuka didn’t hesitate. She plowed through any obstacles in their path, her determination unwavering.
In the passenger seat, Saya continued to mark the map, her brow furrowed in concentration. “We’re almost at the convenience store,” she announced, her voice cutting through the silence. “If we don’t run into any trouble, we should be able to get what we need and head straight to the estate.”
Blake glanced at her, appreciating her thoroughness. “Good work, Saya. Let’s just hope it’s as quiet there as it is here.”
But as they approached the store, the sound of distant groaning began to fill the air, growing louder with each passing second. Kohta, still standing in the gunner port, squinted into the distance, his heart racing as he spotted a small horde of zombies lingering near the store’s entrance.
“Looks like we’ve got company,” Kohta called down, his voice tense but steady. “About a dozen or so, right by the entrance.”
Blake nodded, his expression hardening. “Alright, everyone. We stick to the plan. We’ll clear them out quickly and quietly, get the supplies, and get back on the road. No unnecessary risks.”
The group exchanged determined looks, each of them preparing for the fight ahead. The Humvee rolled to a stop a short distance from the store, and they readied their weapons, their resolve steeled for whatever lay ahead.
May 1, 20XX
10:15 a.m.
Outside the Convenience Store, Tokonosu City
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As the Humvee rolled to a stop a short distance from the convenience store, the group tensed in anticipation. The groans of the undead echoed through the air, growing louder as the zombies noticed the approaching vehicle. Kohta Hirano, perched in the gunner port with his AR-10(T) rifle, was the first to take action.
"Kohta, start thinning them out," Blake ordered, his voice steady but urgent. "Shizuka, slow down the car. We need Kohta to have a stable platform to fire from."
Shizuka nodded, easing off the accelerator to bring the Humvee to a slower crawl. The vehicle moved at a steady pace, giving Kohta the stability he needed to line up his shots.
Kohta took a deep breath, calming his nerves as he sighted down the scope. The AR-10's precision was unmatched, and Kohta knew he had to make every shot count. With the zombies shuffling toward them, he took aim at the closest one, a middle-aged man whose once-tidy business suit was now a tattered mess.
CRACK!
The rifle’s report echoed sharply through the street as the bullet found its mark, punching cleanly through the zombie’s forehead and dropping it instantly. Kohta didn’t linger to admire his work; he quickly adjusted his aim to the next target, a shambling woman with a grotesque wound on her neck.
CRACK!
Another headshot, another zombie down. Kohta’s breathing was steady, his focus absolute as he worked methodically through the horde. Each shot was precise, each bullet delivering death with cold efficiency. He was acutely aware of the limited ammunition they had, and he couldn’t afford to waste a single round.
CRACK!
A third zombie crumpled to the ground, its head snapping back from the force of the bullet. Kohta’s hands moved with practiced ease, cycling the bolt and chambering the next round. The slow-moving undead were easy targets, but Kohta knew better than to get complacent.
“Almost there,” Blake muttered as he kept his eyes on the store, watching the number of zombies dwindle with each of Kohta’s shots. “Just a little closer…”
The Humvee crawled forward, the distance between them and the store shrinking with every second. Kohta continued to pick off zombies from a distance, his shots ringing out with deadly precision.
CRACK!
CRACK!
Two more zombies fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground in a lifeless heap. By now, they were close enough that the groans of the remaining undead seemed to vibrate the air around them. Kohta knew it was time to conserve his ammo for the fight inside the store.
“Time to get in there,” Blake said, signaling to Shizuka to bring the Humvee to a full stop. “Everyone, get ready.”
As the Humvee came to a halt, the back doors swung open, and the group poured out with practiced coordination. Saeko Busujima was the first to move, her katana flashing in the sunlight as she charged into the fray with a deadly grace. The zombies, slow and uncoordinated, were no match for her skill and precision.
Saeko’s katana sliced cleanly through the air, decapitating the first zombie she encountered with a single, fluid motion. The next fell just as quickly, her blade carving a lethal arc through its skull. She moved like a dancer, each step measured, each strike perfectly executed. The undead never stood a chance.
Behind her, Rei Miyamoto followed, wielding the M1A rifle with the bayonet attached. The spear-like configuration suited her perfectly, allowing her to strike with precision and distance. Rei lunged forward, the bayonet piercing through a zombie’s eye socket and into its brain with practiced ease.
Rei’s movements were precise and deliberate, each thrust of the bayonet delivering a fatal blow. She was finally able to let loose, her combat training from the Sojutsu Club shining through as she moved from one target to the next. For the first time since the outbreak, Rei felt truly in control, the weapon in her hands giving her the confidence to face the horrors around her.
Takashi Komuro and Blake Henderson flanked the two girls, providing cover and support as they advanced. Takashi, armed with the Remington 870 shotgun, took aim at a small group of zombies clustered together and squeezed the trigger.
BOOM!
The shotgun roared to life, the blast sending a spray of buckshot into the crowd of zombies. The recoil was more powerful than Takashi had anticipated, causing him to stagger back slightly. His eyes widened in shock, but he quickly regained his footing, steeling himself for the next shot.
Blake, meanwhile, had his Ithaca M37 Riot Shotgun slung on his back as he opted for a more personal approach. Armed with a crowbar, he moved swiftly and efficiently through the horde, bashing in the skulls of any zombies that got too close. His movements were precise and economical, each swing of the crowbar conserving as much energy as possible while delivering maximum impact.
Blake’s crowbar crunched into the skull of a zombie, the force of the blow caving in its head with a sickening sound. He didn’t pause, spinning to drive the crowbar into the side of another zombie’s temple, dropping it instantly. The zombies were slow, but Blake knew that one wrong move could be fatal. He couldn’t afford to let his guard down.
With Saeko cutting down zombies on the frontlines, Rei skewering them with the bayonet, and Takashi and Blake covering their flanks, the group made quick work of the undead. The sounds of battle filled the air—Saeko’s blade slicing through flesh, Rei’s bayonet piercing skulls, Takashi’s shotgun blasting through crowds, and Blake’s crowbar crunching bone.
As the last of the zombies fell, silence descended over the street, broken only by the heavy breathing of the group as they caught their breath. The area outside the convenience store was now clear, the undead lying in lifeless heaps around them.
Blake scanned the surroundings, ensuring that no other threats were nearby before signaling to the group. “Good work, everyone. Let’s move inside and get what we need.”
They approached the entrance of the convenience store, weapons at the ready in case there were any stragglers inside. The glass doors had been shattered, likely from the initial outbreak, and the interior was dimly lit by the sunlight filtering through the windows.
Blake led the way, stepping carefully over the broken glass as he entered the store. The others followed close behind, their eyes scanning the aisles for any signs of movement. The store was eerily quiet, the only sound being the soft crunch of debris under their boots.
“Let’s be quick,” Blake said, his voice low. “We don’t know how long we’ve got before more of them show up.”
The group split up to cover more ground, each of them moving through the store with practiced efficiency. They knew what they needed—food, water, medicine, clothing, batteries, and any electronics that might be useful.
Saeko and Rei headed to the back of the store, searching through the shelves for non-perishable food items. They filled their bags with canned goods, dried fruits, and instant noodles—anything that would keep them fed for the next few days.
Takashi and Kohta moved to the medicine aisle, grabbing first-aid supplies, painkillers, antibiotics, and bandages. They also found some vitamins and energy drinks, which would help keep their strength up during the long journey ahead.
Blake and Saya focused on the front of the store, gathering bottles of water, batteries, flashlights, and any electronic devices that might come in handy. Saya found a portable radio, which she handed to Blake with a nod of approval.
“This might help us pick up any emergency broadcasts,” she said.
Blake nodded, slipping the radio into his bag. “Good find, Saya.”
With their supplies gathered, the group reconvened at the entrance of the store. Their bags were heavy with essentials, and their minds were focused on the next step of their journey.
“Alright, let’s get back to the Humvee,” Blake said, leading the way out of the store. “We’ve got what we need. Now we head to the Takagi estate.”
The group moved swiftly back to the Humvee, their senses on high alert as they prepared to leave the area. The streets were still quiet, but they knew that the city was far from safe.
As they loaded their supplies into the vehicle and prepared to drive off, the tension in the air was palpable. The Takagi estate was their next destination, but the road ahead was filled with uncertainty.
With Shizuka at the wheel, the Humvee roared to life once more, carrying the group toward their next challenge. Together, they would face whatever dangers awaited them, their resolve unshaken as they continued their fight for survival.
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End of Chapter 17