Highschool of the Dead: Fanfiction Darkpenn

Chapter 6: seeds

The end of one thing is the beginning of another.

[Author's Note: This story takes place six years after the Outbreak and about four years after the Battle of Sheroda. It is the final, concluding part of the Darkpenn HOTD stories.]

Z + 2192

Alice looked around at her extended family and circle of friends, seated at long tables in the front yard of the Maresato farm. She wondered how she would break her decision to them.

There was Saya and Hirano, with their three childen: Nozomi, now almost six, Sachiko, and baby Isamu. Alice smiled when she remembered that Saya had told her that she wanted another two, at least.

There was Rei and Benaro, with their adopted child Rise, recently turned five, and their own two-year-old, Hotaru.

There was Miss Marikawa and her partner Shun Yamiashi. Miss Marikawa had recently announced that she was pregnant - the father being an old friend called Yuudai, apparently. Everyone (except Shun) had been surprised, and everyone had been pleased for her.

There were her grandparents, and Major Arimake, who was visiting from Kaga Base. And there were thirty or so people from the nearby farms and houses - including several of Alice's friends from school, and a surprising number of younger children. There were also faces that she recognised from the market days regularly held here at Maresato farm, and some from the barn raising that had taken place at the Badushi farm a few weeks ago.

Hirano, at the head of the table, rose to speak. The parents around the table signalled for their children to sit quietly and pay attention.

"Today," said Hirano, "marks six years since the Outbreak. It is in memory of all that has been lost that we mark this day. Many sacrifices have been made, although many battles have been won.

"But we are also here to point to the way forward. We are building, slowly but steadily, and in the past year I think we have passed the point of merely surviving and are now forging a new community. While everyone shares in this achievement, I believe there are two people who deserve special mention.

"The first is Saya - and I am not saying this just because she is my wife and my true love - who has not only devised solutions to critical problems - the saya-mills, the solar panels, and the irrigation system she has designed are only some - but as our schoolteacher is playing a crucial role in educating our next generation.

"The other is Miss Marikawa - and I know that calling her that might seem inappropriate but it is how I have always thought of her. As the community doctor - and as the person who has delivered every child here, including those of Saya and me - she has provided the sinews for our growth. And her recent news has made us all very happy for her.

"So I offer a toast. To Saya, to Miss Marikawa, and to the future."

Everyone applauded, and then drank the toast.

Then Hirano said: "And I believe that now Major Arimake has an announcement to make as well."

All eyes turned to Major Arimake, who rose in her place.

"I'm not a big one for speeches so I'll make it short," she said. "Bottom line: I'm stepping down as commander of Kaga Base. It doesn't need a military boss any more. I plan to throw away the uniform - what's left of it - and do something else, I don't know what, pottery maybe. I'll be there if the need ever arises, as many other people will be.

"But Kaga Base - I hope it will be known as Kaga Town from now on - will still need a leader. It has to be someone who is widely known and respected. So I have asked Rei if she will take the job, and she has agreed. I'll make the announcement to Kaga when I get back. Good luck, Rei."