Highschool of the Dead: Fanfiction Darkpenn

Chapter 7: Departures

Departures

The new generation is looking to a far horizon.

[Author's Note: It is eighteen years after the Outbreak.]

Saya, Hirano and Alice were walking around the temporary stores and stalls of Maresato Farm Mid-Summer Market Day - which actually went for about a week - sampling various types of food and examining the range of goods.

"I had no idea that Reika had made so many pots, and so many people used them," said Saya.

"People like them, and not just because they do a good job," said Alice, as she examined a pack of candles. "They're really beautiful as well."

Hirano looked around at the hundreds of people exchanging, buying and selling things. "Everyone seems to be having a pretty good time," he said. "I think those trading chits have given things a real boost."

"Yes, it took things beyond the barter basis," said Saya. "It was a good idea of yours, sweetheart, and I think that it only worked because people knew you and trusted you when you put your name to them, and said you would decide any disputes. You know what people are calling them? Hiranotes."

Hirano laughed.

"Hey, what's this?" said Alice.

Nozomi Hirano, Rise Komuro, Hotaru Tatagi, Kuzuki Marikawa and Kemi Tioba came up to them. They were all looking very serious, or at least were trying to look as serious as teenagers could.

"Momma, Dad, Auntie Alice," said Nozomi. "We've come to a decision."

"Have you now," said Saya.

"We're going travelling," said Rise. "To the mainland, and into China. Via Sakhalin."

"No you're not," said Saya.

"It's eighteen years since the Outbreak, and we don't have any idea about the world outside Japan," said Hotaru. "We should find out."

"Have you asked your mother and father about this?" said Saya to him. "Rise, have you asked Rei and Ben? Kuzuki, have you asked Shizuka? Kemi, have you asked Reika and Naoki?"

"We, er, thought we should tell you first," said Hotaru.

"That is, ask you first," said Kemi.

"No, we mean tell you first," said Rise. "Auntie Saya, how old were you at the time of the Outbreak?"

"That's not relevant," said Saya.

"How old?"

"16. But the point is that I - we - didn't have a choice."

"Uh-huh. Auntie Alice, how old were you when you started exploring outside Tomo?"

"15 or 16, I guess."

"And how old was Chizu when she joined you?"

"Who told you to ask that?"

"She did."

"Why aren't I surprised?" said Alice.

"How old?"

"I think she was 14."

"She says different."

"Okay, maybe 13, she never actually told me."

Saya stared closely at Rise. "Who taught you to be so smart, kid?" she said.

"You did," said Rise. "I went to your school, remember. We all did. One thing you taught us was the importance of being independent."

"I didn't actually mean that part. You must have missed the day when I said I was only joking. And also the day when I said that children should do what their parents say."