Highschool of the Dead: Fanfiction Darkpenn

The AMerican adventures part 9

Part 9: Return

"I was thinking about some designs for a new wheelchair," said Sachiko to Eleanor. "Between the two of us, I think we can make something that will do the job from things that are available in Columbia. Or maybe we can find a real one."

"That would be very good," said Eleanor. "And anything for Hotaru?"

Hotaru was sitting next to Eleanor in the wagon, her leg in a makeshift splint.

"A stick," said Sachiko, with a laugh.

"What I would prefer," said Hotaru, "is a cure for morning sickness."

"You will just have to put up with it for a while," said Eleanor. "But it's worthwhile, in the end." She gestured to the three kids: Fran and Billy in the wagon, Jane riding with Sam.

"Well, maybe my mum can come up with something from her herbal box of tricks," said Kazuki, riding next to the wagon. "We'll find out. The main gate of Columbia is just up ahead."

Jill had ridden ahead to tell Kowalski and the others they were coming. As Rise and the group approached the gate, they saw Kowalski, Fraser, Shizuka and Satsuki gathered there.

"Oh my," muttered Sachiko. "There's James, and I haven't even thought about what I'm going to say to him." She started to fiddle with her hair.

The group stopped and dismounted. Kazuki helped Hotaru out of the wagon.

"It's good to see you again," said Kowalski. "And I see you've gathered some new friends. What else did you find?"

"Not many people, but a place that would be good for a new settlement," said Dean. "If anyone wants to join me."

"And me," said Sam.

"And me," said Eleanor. "With the kids."

Everyone in the group looked at her. "Sorry, didn't mean to surprise you," she said. "I hope that it's alright."

"It's fine," said Sam. "Better than fine. Absolutely excellent."

Jill nudged Sachiko. She nodded towards Fraser.

"Uh, hello," mumbled Sachiko. "It's good to see you again, James."

"And you too," said Fraser.

"Oh, for crying out loud!" said Jill. "Look, Fraser, Sachiko likes you a lot and she would like to know if you're interested in her. Got that?"

"You should be interested," added Hotaru.

Fraser started a bit. "Uh, well, er ... perhaps, Sachiko, we can discuss it ... well, maybe we could take a walk together ... "

"There you go," said Jill. "Not so hard, was it?"

Shizuka hugged Kazuki and Hotaru.

"Mum," said Kazuki. "We - "

"I know," said Shizuka. "I can see the glow from a mile away."

As they made their way to Kowalski's office, Rise said: "We would like to stay here for the winter, and then head back to Japan. Sachiko says she wants to stay here, and Jill says she wants to come with us. Until that time, we will make ourselves useful in any way we can."

"Sure," said Kowalski. "In fact, we are already seeing the first signs of winter. It's going to be a long one. But it will pass. Eventually, there will be a spring."

"Yes," said Rise. "There always will be."

END AND AMEN