Chapter 36: The Plan

There were screams from the entire classroom. Pupils started to get up, tables knocked to the side, chairs knocked off. "Screaming" students shouted. Describe facial expression of the students in panic. 

The tranquility of the classroom shattered in an instant. The once calm collected lesson that was going on all replaced by screams of panic and terror. The students' expressions were a tumultuous blend of fear, confusion, and desperation.

Wide-eyed and trembling, some students clutched their desks for support, their knuckles turning white with the intensity of their grip. Others scrambled to their feet, their movements frantic and uncoordinated, sending tables and chairs crashing to the ground in their haste. "Out of my way," one student shouted as he knocked his fellow classmate out. 

"Aaahhh!" someone shrieked, the sound lost amidst the chaos. 

Amidst the pandemonium, the teacher at the front of the classroom who got interpreted by James and his group tried to restore order. "Everyone calm down," she said. However it was a futile attempt amidst the mayhem. The hysteria and panic had taken hold, spreading like wildfire through the classroom.

The students, their desperate flight fueled by primal instinct and raw terror, bolted for the door. Their footsteps echoed in the classroom. The air hung heavy with the scent of sweat and panic.

Backpacks swung wildly, textbooks clutched to their chests, and shoelaces tripped over each other as they all exited. 

James looked at the chaotic scenes. His instincts urged him to intervene, to restore some semblance of order, but he thought that was more trouble than what it was worth. These people were a volatile mix of fear, desperation, and distrust. He thought any attempt at leadership could backfire.

His gaze shifted to Rei and Saya, they were his priority. He needed to get them on his side. There are two others here which he also wants. Rei and Saya both had their mouths opened as they saw the chaos of the classroom. They looked anxious. 

He looked at Lois. She had a stoic face, she seemed to be unphased by the chaos. James thought that was not surprising given she had already seen zombies before. Lois looked at James and gave a small wink. James smiled back. 

Lois was thinking although there was chaos and we had jumped into the frying pan, she knew James had a plan. She had faith. 

He turned his attention to Jasmine who looked a bit nervous. Jasmine knew somewhat of the zombies however not the true extent. Jasmine thought, maybe she should do something, those things will devour them. 

James held Jasmine's delicate hand, his grip firm yet gentle. The chaos of the students surrounded them. His eyes met hers, and without words, he conveyed his assurance. Jasmine's skin was warm against his, her fingers trembling. James knew she was no ordinary girl; she was a princess, a fierce spirit who'd faced sorcery and treachery. Jasmine smiled back. 

James felt Rei was about to move. He held her trembling hand, his grip firm yet gentle like with Jasmine. The chaos unfolding in front of her eyes was a lot to take in. Her once familiar classroom had become a battleground. Rei's nerves were frayed, her heart racing as if it might burst through her ribcage.

She glanced at James who held her hand, his eyes unwavering. There was a protective aura that enveloped Rei. She had always been the one to charge ahead, instincts sharp, but now she hesitated with him. It was strange, she thought. 

His voice was a whisper against the chaos. "Wait," he said, and it was both a command and a promise. Rei nodded. She held his hand. They waited a few minutes until the classroom was empty, even the teacher left. 

Now, it was just James, Lois, Jasmine, Rei, Saya, Takashi and Hisashi. Strangely enough, Kohta was gone as well. He thought, didn't he stay back. James shrugged, not a big deal. 

Hisashi cleared his throat. He glared at James being this close to Rei. James heard and saw this and smiled. He let both of their hands go. "It seems like they all have left, we now have a few minutes to get our act together and move on, this place will be filled with those zombies," James remarked.

"What are zombies?" Hisashi asked. 

"They are the undead, mindless beings which only want to consume human flesh," James replied as he walked closer to Saya who was watching as everyone left. 

"Saya, good to see you have stayed as well, it saves me from looking for you," James said. 

"How do you know my name and who are you?" Saya questioned. She looked at him, he was good looking but there was something about him which was odd. Her eyes went down to his wrist, there was an unusual green watch. It did not even show the time. 

"My name is James and who does not know about the famous Saya Takagi," James replied. 

"So you know my father?" Saya asked. Saya thought she was sure she had never met him before however, he looks of the same age as her, then how did he meet her father. 

"Everyone in town does," James replied. He added, "Now is not the time to be talking about this, there is a threat outside and we need to move fast." 

"He is right, those things are deadly," Takashi agreed. He added, "What is your plan?" 

"My plan is to protect this beautiful girl," James said to Saya. 

"Get lost," Saya replied. She did not have a disgusted expression, rather it was her knee jerk reaction to being called beautiful, everyone just tried to be with her for her status. 

Rei shot a quick glance at James, her expression a mix of irritation and something akin to jealousy. The way he held her hand and now he is calling her beautiful. It grated on her nerves. 

Lois and Jasmine exchanged amused glances. James was being James, they thought. However Jasmine had a bad feeling about the others. She looked outside and saw a zombie running across the field. 

Takashi and Hisashi sighed. They thought James may be the bigger threat in more than one way. 

"Ouch," James said. He smiled at Saya. "We need to get a vehicle first. This school is overrun already, and so is this town. We need to move fast and be well equipped." 

Rei clenched her fists. "This school," Rei said, her voice steady.

"The town," Saya added.

"We have limited weapons right now with limited ammunition, however there is a place where we can get more," James continued. 

Takashi and Hisashi looked up. Taskashi knew about their weapons, he thought was James some sort of gun dealer. Hisashi thought he was right, however limited weapons rang a bell in his head. 

"The nurse in this school is flatmates with an elite sniper who has some weapons in that flat, we can go and retrieve it," James stated.

"Why not a police station or military base?" Saya asked. 

"Those places will be crawling with those zombies, we have no chance right now," James replied. James knew those places would be easy for him to get to however he will miss the lore if he goes right now. 

"Fine, let's go and find her," Takashi said. 

"Okay, we will split up, Lois, Jasmine you go with Saya and Rei," James ordered. He then said, "Me, Takashi and Hisashi will go the other way, we cover more ground and get out quicker." 

"But we are split," Hisashi commented. 

"They are capable and can take care of each other," James replied.

Rei pouted. "Are you saying I need your protection?" Rei asked. 

"We are not damsels," Jasmine stated.

Hisashi backed down. "Okay," he meekly said.

James walked up to Lois. He leaned into her ear. "Take them to the bathroom and give them both the bottles to drink, tell them it's for their safety and give Rei one of the M4W," James whispered. 

Lois nodded. She leaned into his ear. "Sure, we should have brought a bigger suitcase with more guns," Lois replied. 

James smiled, he should have brought more weapons for sure, however they had limited people to carry all. He thought once they join the group, that will not be an issue. "Next time," James whispered.

"What are you two whispering about?" Rei asked. She was curious and had a burning feeling in her heart. 

Lois smiled. "Nothing much," she teased and winked. 

"Okay, let go," James said. 

Lois put the suitcase down and opened the second zip. "You might want to take this with you," Lois said as she showed the dark red gun with a glowing bar. 

"Perfect," James replied.