Chapter 22: The Roads Less Traveled
May 1, 20XX, 12:50 p.m. - On the Road to the Takagi Estate, Tokonosu City
The clatter of Blake’s crowbar hitting the skull of the last zombie echoed briefly in the deserted streets. He and Saeko Busujima had made significant progress since leaving the commercial district, moving cautiously through thin groupings of zombies as they neared their destination: the Takagi Estate. From their current position, it loomed in the distance atop a hill, its walls still far away but clearly visible.
Their journey had been mostly uneventful, aside from the occasional run-ins with scattered zombies. Blake wiped the sweat from his brow, looking at the estate, and then back at Saeko.
"Looks like we’re getting closer,” he said, tightening his grip on the crowbar. “Still a bit of a walk though."
Saeko, her katana dripping with blood from their latest encounter, glanced at Blake and nodded. "It’s closer than before, but we can’t let our guard down."
The two continued walking, moving silently through the desolate streets. The eerie quietness around them was only occasionally interrupted by the distant moan of a zombie or the rustling of debris in the wind. The oppressive silence had its benefits, however, as it made the sound of any approaching threat more noticeable.
As they walked, something caught Blake’s eye—a small store up ahead, its signage barely legible through the dust-covered windows. It was a sports store.
“Hold up,” Blake said, motioning toward the store. “Might be worth checking out.”
Saeko followed his gaze and agreed. The store could potentially hold useful supplies, and in their current situation, anything that could give them an edge was worth investigating.
They approached cautiously, Blake prying the door open with his crowbar while Saeko stood ready with her katana, just in case any surprises were waiting inside. The door creaked open, and the two slipped inside, their eyes adjusting to the dim lighting within.
It was quiet—eerily so—but it seemed clear. Blake gestured for Saeko to check one side of the store while he moved through the aisles on the other. They both searched meticulously, looking for any zombies that might be lurking in the shadows, but found none. The store, like many others in the city, had been abandoned, untouched by scavengers.
“Looks clear,” Blake muttered as they reconvened near the front of the store.
Saeko nodded in agreement. “Might as well see if there’s anything useful here.”
They started going through the store’s inventory, picking through shelves filled with athletic gear, clothing, and accessories. Blake’s eyes landed on a section of protective gear—shin guards, arm guards, and padded helmets.
“Here,” he said, motioning toward the gear. “We could use some of this.”
Saeko raised an eyebrow as she considered the equipment. “What if a zombie gets too close?” Blake continued. “We’re already dealing with a lot in melee, so a little extra protection wouldn’t hurt.”
It was a practical idea, and Saeko agreed. She selected a set of lightweight shin and arm guards, strapping them on over her clothes. Blake did the same, testing the gear for comfort and flexibility. It wasn’t heavy, and in a worst-case scenario, it could make the difference in surviving a close encounter.
As they continued browsing, Blake found a section with athletic clothes—breathable shirts, pants, and durable footwear. He grabbed a few items, stuffing them into a sports bag he found on a nearby rack. “Might be a good idea to have some extra clothes,” he commented, handing the bag to Saeko to add her selections.
They gathered their new gear, but something else caught Blake’s eye—a side room with a sign indicating there were vehicles inside. “Let’s check this out,” Blake said, nodding toward the room.
Saeko followed him, and when they entered, they found a small display of bicycles. Several mountain bikes, road bikes, and electric scooters were lined up neatly. For a moment, Blake considered taking one of the bikes to expedite their journey. “Should we take one of these?” he mused aloud. “Could make the rest of the trip faster.”
Saeko pondered it but replied cautiously, “We’d be faster, sure. But we’d also be exposed, and the noise could attract more zombies.”
Blake was about to agree when something else in the room caught Saeko’s attention. She turned her head, noticing another door that led to a separate room in the back. "Wait… what’s that?" she said, walking toward it.
Blake followed, and together they entered the back room. What they found stopped them in their tracks—a vehicle, sleek and sturdy, sat on display: an Argo 8×8 Military Proto amphibious ATV. It was a beast of a machine, built for rugged terrains, and as its name suggested, capable of crossing water. An instructional manual was mounted on the wall beside the vehicle, outlining its features.
“Now this,” Blake said, eyes wide with appreciation, “is what we need.”
Saeko stepped closer to the vehicle, running her fingers over the sturdy frame. “It’s perfect. It’s secure, stable, and it can cross water.”
Blake, after a quick look through the manual, grinned. “I can handle this. Way better than a bike, and we won’t have to worry about being too exposed.”
After getting a feel for the controls, Blake decided the ATV was their best bet for making it to the estate. It was a safe and practical solution. He strapped the sports bag onto the back of the vehicle, and after Saeko took her seat, Blake climbed into the driver’s position.
With a flick of the ignition switch, the ATV roared to life, its engine deep and powerful, perfectly suited for off-road conditions. The two of them exchanged a look before Blake navigated the ATV out of the store.
Once outside, the vehicle rolled smoothly along the deserted road, the tires effortlessly handling the uneven pavement as they began moving faster toward the estate. The wind blew past them, and Blake couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewed determination.
Saeko, sitting beside him, allowed herself to relax for a brief moment, enjoying the sound of the engine and the scenery speeding by. “I have to admit,” she said with a smirk, “this situation is… amusing.”
Blake chuckled, his eyes still on the road. “Yeah, something like that,” he replied.
But as they rounded a bend in the road, Blake saw something that made his heart sink—a large group of zombies just a few meters ahead, blocking their path. The road was completely obstructed, with no clear way through.
Blake’s mind worked quickly. “Hold on,” he said, veering the vehicle toward the riverbank. “Let’s see what this baby can do.”
Saeko’s eyes widened in surprise as she realized what Blake was planning. “Wait, you’re not going to—”
But it was too late. Blake grinned mischievously, accelerating toward the river. With a splash, the ATV plunged into the water, the vehicle’s amphibious capabilities immediately kicking in. Water splashed up, dousing the front of the vehicle—and a fair bit of Saeko in the process.
Saeko let out a small gasp as her clothes became soaked. Her shirt clung to her skin, becoming semi-transparent. Blake, completely unaware at first, was about to comment on their next move when he turned his head toward Saeko—and froze.
His eyes were immediately drawn to her now-visible form, the outline of her bra showing clearly through the wet shirt. For a brief moment, Blake was completely mesmerized by the sight, his mind unable to focus on anything else.
Realizing he had been staring, Blake quickly snapped his gaze forward, his face turning a deep shade of red as he mentally cursed himself. “Uh… sorry about that,” he stammered, trying to regain his composure. He kept his eyes on the water ahead, hoping Saeko didn’t notice his embarrassment.
Saeko, noticing his reaction, smiled slightly but said nothing. “Don’t worry about it,” she replied, her voice steady but with a hint of amusement.
As they drifted downstream, the river guided them in the general direction of the Takagi Estate. The current wasn’t strong, giving them time to take in the quiet surroundings. Blake kept an eye on their progress, looking for a suitable place to get the vehicle out of the water.
Eventually, they spotted a small island in the middle of the river, barely 20 square meters, but enough space for them to take a short break. Blake steered the vehicle onto the island, bringing it to a stop.
“We’ll rest here for a bit,” he said, hopping out of the ATV and retrieving the bag of clothes they had picked up earlier. He handed it to Saeko, his cheeks still a bit flushed from earlier. “Here, you should change into something dry.”
Saeko took the bag and nodded, stepping to the side to change. A few moments later, she returned in a simple black T-shirt and shorts, her wet clothes folded neatly in her arms. “Thanks,” she said, setting her clothes out to dry.
The two of them sat down on the edge of the island, their legs dangling over the side as they watched the river flow gently past. For a moment, it was peaceful—a rare reprieve in the midst of the chaos they had endured.
Blake leaned back, resting his arms behind him as he gazed at the sky. “You know, moments like these are rare.”
Saeko nodded. “I agree. It’s easy to forget what peace feels like when the world is falling apart.”
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They made small talk for a while, exchanging lighthearted comments about their situation and discussing the route ahead. The estate was within reach, but they both knew there were still obstacles in their way.
After some time, Blake stood up, glancing around the river. “Alright, we should get moving again.”
Saeko nodded and joined him as they packed up and boarded the ATV once more. Blake guided the vehicle back into the river, allowing it to float downstream a bit further before finding a place to exit and return to the road.
The path took them closer to the suburbs, where they encountered a small park. It was a shortcut that led to the east side of the Takagi Estate, but the road ahead was blocked by a totaled car, leaving them no choice but to navigate through the park.
As they rolled into the park, Blake slowed the vehicle. They reached a point where the path was blocked by railings, preventing further progress with the ATV.
“We’ll have to continue on foot,” Blake said, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Saeko nodded, unsheathing her katana as they prepared to move. The quiet of the park was unsettling, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze the only sound. But the calm didn’t last for long. As they advanced deeper into the park, a horde of zombies emerged, shuffling toward them from all sides.
Blake and Saeko exchanged a glance. “Looks like we’re fighting our way through again,” Blake said, gripping his crowbar.
They launched into action, dispatching zombies with lethal efficiency. Blake’s crowbar struck down undead with brutal force, while Saeko’s katana danced through the air, slicing through flesh and bone with deadly precision.
For a while, the fight was going smoothly. But suddenly, Saeko’s movements faltered. Her blade stilled as her eyes locked onto something in the distance—two small figures, no older than ten, shambling toward her. They were zombified children.
Saeko froze, her katana lowering slightly as her heart clenched in her chest. She couldn’t bring herself to strike them down. The sight of the undead children brought a wave of pain and hesitation, her body refusing to move.
Blake, noticing Saeko’s sudden stillness, turned and saw the problem. His expression shifted, understanding immediately what had caused her hesitation. He rushed to her side, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.
“Saeko,” he said quietly, his voice gentle but urgent. “You don’t have to do this.”
She looked at him, her eyes filled with anguish. “I… I can’t. I can’t kill them.”
Blake didn’t hesitate. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the scene, guiding her in the direction where the path was clearer. They ran, putting distance between themselves and the zombies until they reached the entrance of an old shrine nestled in the outskirts of the park.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ground. Blake looked at the shrine and nodded. “We should take refuge here for the night. It’ll be safer than wandering around in the dark.”
Saeko, still shaken from the encounter, nodded silently. Together, they entered the shrine, finding an empty room where they could settle for the night. The air was still, the scent of old wood filling the space as they sat down, resting their weapons beside them.
Blake glanced at Saeko, noticing the faraway look in her eyes. He knew what she was thinking—those zombified children had left a scar on her heart.
“You know,” Blake began softly, “what happened back there… it wasn’t your fault. Those kids… they were already gone.”
Saeko remained silent for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know. But it still feels wrong.”
Blake moved closer, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’re not alone in this, Saeko. You don’t have to carry the weight of it by yourself.”
Saeko looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and pain. She hadn’t expected to open up like this, but something about Blake’s presence made her feel safe—like she didn’t have to hide behind her strength all the time.
The quiet of the shrine enveloped them as the last rays of sunlight slipped behind the horizon. The dim light of dusk filtered through the cracks in the wooden walls, casting soft shadows across the room. Blake and Saeko sat side by side, the distant sounds of moaning zombies and the faint rustling of leaves the only reminders of the dangerous world outside.
Saeko had been unusually quiet since they had taken refuge in the shrine. The earlier encounter with the zombified children still weighed heavily on her, and Blake could sense the turmoil brewing within her. He hadn’t pressed her—he knew when someone needed time to process their thoughts. But as the moments passed, he could feel the tension between them, unspoken words lingering in the air.
Finally, Saeko broke the silence.
“Blake… there’s something I need to tell you,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Blake glanced over at her, noticing the faraway look in her eyes. “You don’t have to say anything if you’re not ready.”
“No, I do,” Saeko replied, her gaze dropping to the floor. “You deserve to know. Especially after what happened today… I need to explain why I froze back there.”
Blake said nothing, giving her the space she needed to gather her thoughts.
Saeko exhaled slowly, as though trying to release a burden she had carried for years. “Four years ago, I was almost attacked by a man—a predator who thought I was just another defenseless girl. He tried to assault me, but… I wasn’t defenseless. I had my bokken with me.”
Blake’s expression shifted, his attention fully focused on her. He hadn’t expected such a personal confession, but he remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
“I didn’t just stop him, Blake,” Saeko said, her voice trembling slightly. “I… I hurt him. Badly. I broke several of his bones, and I remember the way it felt—the satisfaction I got from it. It wasn’t just self-defense. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed hurting him.”
Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her guilt. Saeko clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as she struggled to hold back the emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
Blake’s gaze softened. He had seen many people carry guilt and shame, but this… this was different. He could feel the depth of her self-loathing, the fear that had plagued her for years.
“I thought maybe I had changed,” Saeko continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “That it was just a one-time thing. But ever since the outbreak started, I’ve realized I haven’t changed at all. If anything, it’s gotten worse. Killing zombies… it gives me the same thrill. The same feeling of satisfaction. And today, when I saw those children, I froze because I realized how far I’ve fallen. I was afraid that if I killed them, I’d feel that same thrill… and I don’t want that.”
Her words came out in a rush, the dam of emotions she had been holding back finally breaking. Saeko’s shoulders slumped, her body trembling as she looked away, ashamed of the darkness she believed was inside her.
“I’m not the person you think I am,” she said bitterly. “I’m a monster. I’m… vulgar. I don’t deserve to be loved. I don’t deserve—”
“Stop,” Blake interrupted, his voice firm but gentle. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You’re not a monster, Saeko.”
Saeko’s eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard by the intensity in Blake’s voice.
Blake continued, his hand steady on her shoulder. “You’re not defined by those moments. You did what you had to do. That man? He attacked you. You defended yourself. The fact that you feel guilt for hurting someone like that shows you’re not a monster. And as for killing zombies? We’re all in survival mode. The fact that you hesitated today shows that you care. It shows that you’re still human.”
Tears welled up in Saeko’s eyes as she listened to him, his words cutting through the wall of self-hatred she had built around herself. Blake wasn’t dismissing her feelings—he was acknowledging them, validating them. And that made all the difference.
“Saeko, you’re strong,” Blake said softly, his tone more gentle now. “You’ve used that strength to protect people. To protect me. To protect the group. That’s what matters. You’re not alone in this—you don’t have to carry this burden by yourself.”
Saeko’s breath hitched as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Blake’s unwavering gaze, his words, his belief in her—it all felt too much, yet it was exactly what she needed to hear.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Blake continued, his voice filled with warmth. “But I do know one thing: you’re not the person you think you are. You’re not a monster. You’re just… human. Like the rest of us.”
Saeko’s tears finally spilled over, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to cry. She leaned into Blake’s shoulder, her body trembling as she let out all the pain and guilt she had been holding onto for years.
Blake wrapped his arm around her, offering silent comfort as she wept. He didn’t need to say anything more—his presence was enough. Slowly, Saeko’s sobs quieted, and she lifted her head, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice still shaky but filled with gratitude.
Blake smiled softly. “Anytime.”
There was a long moment of silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes, a shared understanding between two people who had both seen the worst of the world but still found strength in each other.
Finally, Saeko looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I must look terrible right now.”
Blake chuckled softly. “Nah. You’re just as strong as ever.”
Saeko’s lips curled into a small smile, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “You’re terrible at this, you know.”
Blake laughed, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, I know.”
The moment was lighter now, the weight of Saeko’s confession no longer suffocating them. The two of them sat in companionable silence, the distant sounds of the night filling the air as they took comfort in each other’s presence.
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May 1, 20XX, 6:30 p.m. - Takagi Estate, Tokonosu City
The tall gates of the Takagi Estate creaked open as Yuriko Takagi led the main group through the fortified entrance. The estate, surrounded by tall walls and strategically placed guard towers, looked like a fortress in the twilight, its imposing size a testament to the Takagi family's influence and preparedness.
Yuriko moved with purpose, her sharp eyes scanning the estate grounds as they passed through the gate. Her firefighters, along with armed guards from the estate, stood at attention, ready to defend against any threat that might come their way.
As Takashi Komuro, Rei Miyamoto, Shizuka Marikawa, Kohta Hirano, and Saya Takagi followed closely behind, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. The estate was massive, its high walls offering a sense of security that none of them had felt in days.
“This place…” Kohta murmured, his eyes wide with awe as he took in the sight of the sprawling mansion and its surrounding grounds. “It’s incredible.”
Shizuka, walking alongside Saya, let out a long sigh. “Finally… a place to rest. It’s been so long since we’ve felt safe.”
Saya, her emotions still raw from reuniting with her mother, glanced around the estate, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and relief. She hadn’t been sure they would make it here. But seeing the familiar walls of her childhood home, knowing they were surrounded by people she trusted… it felt like a small victory in an otherwise bleak world.
Yuriko led them through the main courtyard and into the mansion itself, where a small group of survivors—other families and trusted associates—had already gathered. The interior of the estate was pristine, its large rooms filled with supplies and makeshift beds for the people who had sought refuge here.
As they entered the main hall, Yuriko turned to face the group, her expression softening slightly. “You’re all safe here. We’ve fortified the estate, and we have enough supplies to last for a while.”
Takashi, ever the cautious one, glanced around the room. “How long has it been like this?”
“Since the day the outbreak began,” Yuriko replied, her tone firm but not unkind. “We knew something like this was coming. My husband has prepared for it for years. And now that you’re all here, we can regroup and plan our next steps.”
Saya stepped forward, her eyes locking onto her mother’s. “Mom… have you heard from Dad?”
Yuriko’s expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something like concern. “Your father is out there, protecting the estate’s interests. He’s leading efforts to secure other parts of the city.”
Saya bit her lip, her mind swirling with worry. Her father was a powerful figure, but even in times like this, he was just one man.
Takashi, sensing the tension, stepped forward. “We’ll help however we can. But… Blake and Busujima are still out there. They’re trying to find their way here.”
Yuriko’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Blake… and Busujima? Oh, the ones you’ve mentioned earlier today?”
“They’re friends,” Saya explained quickly. “Blake’s an American transfer student. He’s been with us since the outbreak started, and Busujima… you might remember her from school. She’s been fighting with us.”
Yuriko nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “I see. If they’re as capable as you say, then they’ll make it here. We’ll be ready to receive them when they do.”
With that, Yuriko turned and motioned for one of the estate guards to show the group to their quarters. “Get some rest,” she said over her shoulder. “You’ve been through enough for one day.”
As the group followed the guard down the hall, the weight of the day’s events slowly began to lift. They were safe, for now. But even in the safety of the Takagi Estate, they knew the world outside was still crumbling. And Blake and Saeko were still out there, fighting their way through the chaos.
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End of Chapter 22