Relationships, sometimes this is a tricky thing to explain. If two individuals have made contact either directly or through intermediaries, somehow they can already be said to have a relationship. One family member to another family member is related by the family relationship. One member of the camp with other camp members related in some kind of member relationship. However, sometimes the relationship does not stop only at the same status of members as members. Sometimes they have more and more complex relationships, because the form of the relationship that is manifested doesn't have to be just one. If only hostile relations and mutual friends become one, what might happen?
Yuki and Haruka, maybe this is what happened to them. The beginning of the story, when Yuki was just relaxing in the truck, she was visited by Haruka who wanted to grab the truck. Due to the situation, Yuki and Haruka become enemies who have come to the point of wanting to kill each other but considering each other's humanity. Supported by their respective weapons and selfish nature, one of them might have been considered non-existent if it weren't for someone else who is the main character in this story.
As time goes by, everything changes, no matter how small, who at first were just strangers and could be considered as opponents, now become members of the same camp. Aggressive, Yuki acts every time she meets her opponent, Haruka. The-chubby-cheeked girl always got angry when she saw Haruka around. Nudge rudely, stare at her unpleasantly or even mock her directly. Everything Yuki had ever done to a girl who was secretly hiding her wound.
Days passed, and gradually the enemy became a kind of friend.
"Hey, let's have a match!"
That sentence is the beginning of it all. Do not accept defeat and always want to win. Competitive, enemies become opponents and slowly become rivals. Both are good at shooting and have flaws in their respective fields. They always compare different things. What used to hate each other is now a fleeting memory of the past. And at the time when the secret was revealed, Yuki felt very, very guilty.
Haruka's left hand was the hand that had been fatally injured. Unexpected, what she thought was just a fashion turned out to be the source of the girl's pain. Yuki secretly felt guilty about that. Back then, every time they met, Yuki always nudged Haruka and sometimes it was her left hand. Reminded of the incident when they had a wrestling match and it turned out that Haruka's wounds were real. Remembered when Yuki asked Haruka to lift heavy things. Yuki felt guilty.
Now Haruka is just lying on a soft mattress, resting on a blanket and a series of IV tubes. Silence, freeze and troubled. The sun's rays only reflected into the room. However, in the room there was already an LED light that was always shining. Energy is supplied from a generator outside, fueled by oil which Tanaka always refills. Taki left the room, taking turns with Makise. To Haruka, Makise was always a great friend. No matter how bad the situation was, Makise always managed to make Haruka smile happily. However, not for that moment, where hope has been dashed and time feels its way to the abyss of death.
"Makise!"
Someone called out to Makise from behind. Realizing that her name was being called, Makise looked back and found that it was Yuki who had called earlier. They didn't know each other really well, but they at least knew each other and were used to calling each other without any formality.
"What is it, Yuki?"
In the middle of the night, the two of them met at a door. Taki, who had crossed paths with Yuki briefly peeked from the stairs. Changing the watch, of course no one can stay awake forever to take care of a sick person.
"This time, let me be!"
Yuki got straight to the point, she wanted to take on Makise's guard duty. Even though the girl with the task already had plans of her own, she considered how about Yuki, the one who begged. The decision was made, Makise handed over guard duty to Yuki for about three hours. The time until around dawn came.
The eyes saw a figure that was different from usual. Won't be able to fall asleep, afraid that it will be her last sleep. Haruka realized that the person who entered was not Makise but instead Yuki. It was rare for these two to meet with that kind of intent. Usually the two of them just passed each other. Want to say hello and give words, but pain is still a real thing.
~~~
I entered, the sound of moaning was clearly heard in this room. She must be in a lot of pain.
"How do you feel?"
"... Like broken glass!"
I don't understand how that feels.
"Ummm, I'll take care of you for a few hours. You don't mind, do you?"
"... Ughh, no... Can you get me a painkiller over there?"
"Of course!"
I gave it, no, I helped her to drink it. She looked very whimpering and weak, just like the previous nights. But yesterday she managed to get better. I thought that this would be over soon and she would come back.
"Yuki... Thank you!"
"... Relax. Need anything else?"
"No... Maybe just talk to me!"
That's right, my goal. Remember that my goal here is to say that.
"..."
"..."
But I couldn't speak. Damn, why isn't my mouth moving? It's like something is preventing my mouth from opening. Say it, say it, my body!
"Hey Yuki, it's a very beautiful night huh!"
Ah, she started the conversation.
"Yeah..."
"You know, actually I want to sleep right now. But I always wake up?"
"Does it really hurt?"
"No, it's not about pain... Yes, it's about my feelings of fear. I'm scared to death, for some reason!"
This is the time I have to say. That's right, I have to apologize.
"Haruka, I have something to tell you!"
"... What?"
In each of her groans, she must be hiding great pain.
"I want to apologize for my harsh treatment of you all this time... I-I don't know about that all... I'm sorry!"
Uh, why am I crying?
"Yuki... I never thought that you were wrong or did anything bad. It was also my fault for never telling you about this, I'm sorry. Yeah, it's just an act of us as friends right? Don’t feel bad like that!"
Friend... That's right, I always hesitated to think of it that way. I was afraid that she would never acknowledge me as her friend. I'm afraid she will die. She's my first girl friend.
"If there's a way to heal you, I swear I'll do whatever it takes!"
But I don't know how. Damn it!
......
...
Why did this have to happen? In just less than a week, Haruka would be dead. God damn.
Night, yeah, it's midnight and I'm out here. Hope is lost. I don't know what to do anymore. It's clear that I can't give her antivirals every day. Also, what the hell did she say just now! This all got me thinking.
"Kill, huh..."
Can I kill her?
'Please kill me', she easily said that with a fake smile. I've killed thousands of human formed creatures, zombies. I was a sadistic and inhumane person, however, those I killed were not people I knew. They are just strangers. Haruka, she's an acquaintance of mine and honestly I think of her like my own little sister.
"It is impossible!"
I can't kill her. The thought of that happening makes me cringe and freeze. Wait a minute, I got rid of all the dangerous stuff around, right?
...
Yes, I have got rid of them. It's dangerous, she could kill herself or something... but am I doing this right?
She must be in pain and death might be the only way out of it. Die quickly, without suffering... But I can't kill her. But if I don't, she will continue like this and I feel sorry for her.
"Damn it!"
There's nothing on this street. The lights went out and the only light was the moon... which formed a thick crescent. Clouds sometimes come and go, darkness follows their motions. I just want to find a way, what should I do. Do I have to kill all the zombies in this world to bring Haruka back? Is there a way for me to get to that?
Damn it, I'm thinking about weird things again. That's enough, I need to rest... I guess there really is no other way but to end Haruka's suffering more quickly. I feel sorry for Makise about this, but I also feel sorry for Haruka if I keep this up. I have to prepare mentally. That's right, she and I don't really know each other yet, it should be easy...
'Nii-chan!'
... Damn, it keeps looming. I'm not your brother, stop it!
"Ahhhhh, I'm the worst creature in the world!"
This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.
I've walked this way and that. What am I really looking for?
Wait, why do I feel like I'm looking for something? Shouldn't I just chill up and prepare myself?
Oh, there's something. Who?
"Wait, who are you?"
There was someone, at the edge of the convenience store, cloaked and covered. Black and slowly unfolding thanks to the shifting clouds. He's... small.
Ah, he wrote something on the board. Is he mute? No, more importantly, who is he? Doesn't he know that it's dangerous outside at night!
[Guess who?]
"How in the hell do I know, damn it. It's my first time meeting you!"
Wait, why am I speaking rather rudely? I should have been more polite. I don't know if he's an enemy or friend.
...
He was silent and I was silent. Who the hell is he!
"I'm Tanaka Hijimori. Don't you know that outside is dangerous? It would be better for you to take cover inside!"
He wrote something again. Looks like he's really muted.
[Don't mind me. I'm fine on the outside.]
I think she's a confident blessed. Well, in this city, it's quite rare to have blessed one. Only Yakuna, the leader of the Northern camp, the blessed I've ever met. Apart from them, there were only a few and most became camp leaders as well. Is he someone from out of town?
"I know being confident is good. But don't be overconfident. Anyway... Are you alone here?"
That's right, it's possible that he was waiting for someone else.
[Yes, I am alone. Would you like to accompany me?]
Just met and immediately asked to talk. Looks suspicious.
"Okay!"
And why did I answer like that?
Calm, quiet, and full of writing. I didn't think that this one and a half meter tall person would make me feel calmer. I sat with him, on the edge of the pavement, looking around, sight of empty and sometimes the zombies passing.
Wait, are zombies not aware of his existence?
"Hey, is it possible cloak made zombies are not aware of your whereabouts?"
I'll ask it directly. As a fellow survivor, it will be wise to share information with each other.
[No, it's because of my power!]
Obviously, this must be his bless. It's possible that he has a bless that is quite similar to mine. Undetected by zombies and can walk safely to and fro. Well, mutants are something else... And for some reason he changed the writing on the board.
[What's wrong? You look agitated.]
Uh, that's clearly visible on my face. How embarrassing.
"Actually..."
I explained it's all that's on my mind. Starting from that, I also talked about Haruka and other incidents. I tell it in the form of words and pass it on to a person whose name I don't even know. For some reason, this feels like a relief.
"... And when Taki was in the room, she said with a smile, 'please kill me', and I went outside to clear my head. That's it!"
[I'm sorry to hear that.]
Yup, of course that's what will come out of his writing. What do I hope when telling about all this? No, this makes me feel more relieved. Looks like I really need someone else to be a place to sharing in.
"Thank you. By the way do you have a place, I mean, like a camp or a group? If not, would you like to join my camp?"
[No need. I travel a lot by myself and I can't just stay in one place either!]
Well, everyone's path in life is different. I can't force it.
[Do you want Haruka to recover?]
Huh? This guy, is he trying to lure me?
"Of course, but I don't know how!"
[Do you want a vaccine to cure it? I have it!]
What... Could this person be a member of the Northern camp? Or is he trying to sell vaccines bought from the Northern camp? No vaccine other than the Adlava vaccine has been made, so I don't need one.
"No need. I already have some in the camp... They're not very useful!"
I've already said it before. Could it be that this person has a different kind of vaccine... that's impossible.
[No, not that vaccine. I have another one!]
The person took off his robe, a little, but I could tell that it was a girl. The small bulge on her chest was visible, but her hand reached into her inside pocket, she took it out and showed it to me. It was a small, injection-like object.
No, it's not an ordinary injection. I don't know why it seems to attract me. There is something. It wasn't some kind of ordinary liquid inside, it was something that... somehow felt like a magnet. I can feel it, it's something I'm looking for. It was the thing I needed for Haruka.
No, wait, why did I think that this was for Haruka!
"What's that?"
As usual, she wrote it first on the board. This time it's a bit long.
[This is the Felsia vaccine used to prevent infection. It can be used even if the person is already infected, as long as he is not a zombie yet. I'm selling this vaccine, are you interested?]
I know that this liquid is different from the vaccine or antiviral Adlava. But, to dare to say it can prevent infection... But why do I believe in her words?
"Is it really possible to cure an infected person?"
[Of course. You should have known that since you saw the vaccine right?]
That's right, I was sure before I even asked her. I don't know who this girl is. I don't know what her name is. I also don't even know what the thing she was holding was. All I know is I have to get it.
"What should I do about this one?"
......
...
I got a new chance, the chance to bring Haruka back. An opportunity that may only happen once in a lifetime. I met that person, I don't know what her name was, but I'll just call her the ultimate merchant. She sells various items and one of them is Felsia's vaccine which might cure Haruka.
It's just that, the payment that I have to pay off is not in the form of money, goods or other things that I have in the shape of an object. What she wanted was for me to kill one of the high-ranking mutants around, the Gargoyle.
That's right, Gargoyle, I've only heard the rumors, but he's in the West, in one of those mansions that are in some kind of small town. A place filled with cocoa and coffee fields. The area that is six kilometers in radius, around it is not a single person living. No one dared and for those who dared were practically dead.
Early morning is now morning. It's 6:39 am and everyone's up. I helding them.
"Everyone, I have great news!"
I explained to them, except for Haruka because she must always be in the room. First, about the vaccine and second about my plan to go to the enemy base alone. The most dangerous place in the city and arguably the loneliest place of humans.
"Wait, why are you so sure that the vaccine will work? Besides, why are you trusting strangers so easily?"
Taki, as expected, would disagree on this.
"I'm sure of that and I also feel that she can be trusted!"
"No, hold on Tanaka-sama. I've always thought of you as a rational person like me and you should have a more rational reason, right?"
"I have faith in her and I also feel that the vaccine will work!"
"No, Tanaka. Have you forgotten what happened to one of the people who was the subject of research on the Adlava vaccine? He became a zombie, I mean, even the vaccines and antivirals that have been tested are still dangerous, so how come you can be so sure with this one, that is the origin of which is not even clear?”
Everyone was pensive. What Taki said was true and rational. But, I still have my own answer.
"Because I was sure when I saw it. Maybe if you were there, you would feel the same as me!"
"Tanaka... You're not being you. You must be under pressure so you're like this. We all are like that, it's just that you always go out. Tanaka, let's calm down first. You're too tired!"
"No, I'm in spirit right now and want to go!"
"Aghhh, Tanaka~... why are you so stubborn!"
"Don't shake me, Taki. I've always been stubborn!"
Taki shook my body in behalf of her annoyance, maybe.
"Listen Tanaka, I know you want to heal Haruka. But do you really have to go to such a dangerous place? I mean, we're lucky that high-level mutants aren't moving around us. I don't want you to get hurt!"
"Taki, I'm strong and I'm sure I can handle it!"
"Do you really have to go out for this?"
"I must go out to survive all this!"
"How can you be so confident, Tanaka!"
"Because I believe in my strength!"
"Damn fuck the thing about confidence... But, still, I don't agree with the decision to bring the vaccine to Haruka. If you can bring something that you feel can cure Haruka, why not just use plain water instead. Neither has strong evidence nor has a basis whatsoever other than belief!"
"What about voting?"
I submitted it.
"Alright, then let's see who will win!"
Voting took place. First is Makise.
"Tanaka-sama, aren't you sure that the vaccine can cure her!"
"Yes, I feel sure!"
And she is on my side. Two against one.
"I'm with Makise!"
Okata is also on my side. Three against one.
"The two of us with Taki-sensei!"
Jump to three against three.
And finally Yuki.
"... Tanaka, answer me. Can I come with you?"
"Huh?"
What did this bad girl say?
"Of course, no. Why?"
"Then, let me explain before choosing. If I can't come with you, then I will choose Taki's side!"
Wait, why is this girl suddenly being stubborn?
"Wait, Yuki-chan, it's dangerous. I don't care if it's the old-fashioned Tanaka, but I won't agree if you come too!"
"That's true, as Taki said. But not on the old-fashioned part of me!"
"Tanaka... I promised Haruka that I would help her!"
"..."
I couldn't determine. I wanted Yuki to be on my side, but the conditions she gave were also something I was against. She wasn't a girl who could endure a terrifying field like the enemy base.
"No, I still don't agree no matter what the promise, Yuki-chan!"
"Last I scored twenty perfect shots at moving targets. I have great precision!"
That's right, she can play with guns. I've seen it too and it's true.
"..."
"Tanaka, this is for Haruka's sake!"
Damn, she got me!
"All right, as long as you have to stay near me!"
I had to accept it.
"Okay, it's been decided that we agree with Tanaka's opinion!"
"No, why don't you guys think rationally... Ugh, forget it. Just come back alive!"
Taki covered her resigned face with her hands. I actually know Taki’s feelings too, but for now I have to be stubborn. That's right, better to give it a try. I'm sure of this.
"Alright, then today our camp agenda is gathering information regarding the enemy. For Kanji, Rai and Okata to continue work. Makise, if you're not feeling sleepy then take care of Haruka. Taki, Yuki and I will prepare all the things needed for the attack. ...One more thing, if a zombie comes, you guys in the camp must be ready!"
Everyone answered in agreement except for Taki who was annoyed. But I know that she will still help.
The first step is to find information. The information I have is based on rumors and other people's stories. I need accurate and reliable data, and the right person to ask is him...
[Yeah, what's wrong Tanaka-san?]
"Good morning, old man!"
… the old man from the North camp.
I asked him what he knew about Gargoyle mutants in the West. He did know some from reliable sources, but I didn't expect it to be someone he'd seen in person. Two people in total and they want to join my operations team. Apparently, the information that I was a blessed had been exposed by them.
"Alright, we'll meet later this afternoon at the North camp!"
And so. In simple terms, these high-level mutants were once mistaken for vampires and attacked the mansions of the rich in the West. Two people named Anthony and Gerald, I think they are from Europe, are the sons of the owner of the place. The place was attacked and they were forced to flee knowing that it was impossible to defeat it. As far as I can tell, this high-level mutant is quite dangerous because it can jump high and has super sharp claws. It is said that these mutants can also fly.
Preparations are made. Food, drink, ammunition, weapons, equipment and medicine. All these things I took in moderation by taking the size for four people. Taki, who is very worried about Yuki, gives her tips and tricks against fast enemies and she is also given three vests, which can be forced to fit when all of them are worn.
"It's tight!"
"This is for your safety!"
I also need weapons and armor. This time my enemies are not ordinary zombies, these are mutants and will most likely be more difficult than Tank mutants. This would be a difficult foe, and it would be even more difficult considering that Yuki could change modes instantly. It's hard, but it's all for Haruka, my little sister.
"This is for Haruka's sake!"
"Yeah, it's for Haruka-chan's sake!"
Oh yes, I remembered.
"So when did you make a promise like that with Haruka?"
I never saw it.
"This morning!"
"No wonder!"
Yuki and I drove to the North camp. It was late afternoon and we planned to stay there for one night. Yes, all because they want to exchange goods for bullets.
We arrived and were immediately greeted by two people who did look like Europeans. They are Anthony and Gerald, they are brothers where Anthony is the older brother and Gerald is the younger brother. Anthony has the blessing of fire and Gerald is the one who knows best about the mansion's underground structures. This team is perfect... Well, let's just say so.
Tomorrow, it's time for the attack!