Untouched by the Outbreak

Chapter 149: Chapter 149: Winter Patrol

They arrived at the town swiftly, the journey short given the proximity to their house. The cold gnawed at the edges of their existence, but Ryo moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the familiar streets now buried in snow. The town, once bustling with life, had long become a ghostly silence, inhabited only by zombies and the echoes of a forgotten world.Ryo approached the first shop, peering inside. A few zombies roamed within, their dull eyes scanning the aisles. His heart eased; they were exactly where they needed to be. The undead sheltered inside the buildings would stay out of the winter winds, just as Ryo had planned. It was strategic—keeping them indoors so they could be used whenever he needed them.

He glanced back at Sachiko, who was gripping the small portable heater tightly. He had insisted she carry it, knowing how bitterly cold it was outside. The heater's soft hum was the only sound cutting through the frosty air. She held it close to her chest, her breath visible as small clouds in the frigid air. He noticed how she adjusted her jacket, trying to keep warm.

Nearby, Sayako stood like a shadow, her presence ever watchful. Though the cold wouldn't affect her or any of the other zombies—the Striders, Brutes, or Creepers—Ryo still had her close. Something inside him didn't want her to suffer the cold, even if it didn't touch her like it did them.

Perhaps it was because she was his creation, his companion in a twisted way, but also because he knew the importance of keeping her sharp, always ready.

Sachiko glanced at Sayako, noticing how Ryo kept her nearby at all times. Even if Sayako didn't feel cold, Ryo made sure she was part of his plan for warmth, protection, and everything else. Sachiko wondered what Ryo really thought about Sayako, but now wasn't the time to ask.

They continued walking down the snowy streets, checking each shop and building. Every now and then, Ryo would glance back at Sachiko, ensuring she was okay, while Sayako followed quietly, a silent guardian in the harsh winter.

Sachiko's mind wandered as she walked, glancing over at Sayako, who quietly followed Ryo's every step. She began to wonder why Sayako was always so close to him. **Is it...** The thought danced in her head, amusing her in ways she hadn't expected. **What if Ryo... climbed on top of Sayako's body... and...** She couldn't help but smirk.

It wasn't as though the idea disgusted her. In fact, if Ryo had done something like that, would she even care? Ryo had every right to do whatever he wanted with Sayako, right?

But then again, she didn't think Ryo had gone that far with Sayako yet. He hadn't mentioned it, at least. Still, if he had… Sachiko's curiosity as a re

After this winter, Ryo mused, it might be a good time to head to the beach. The idea of something as simple as fishing had its appeal. In his mind, he could picture the shore, untouched by humans for who knew how long. No one dared to venture out to the coast, likely leaving the ocean's bounty untouched.

The thought of fresh fish, clams, and other seafood made him feel a little more hopeful about the coming spring.

He recalled there being a small shop in town that sold fishing gear—nets, rods, all the tools he would need. It's probably still stocked, untouched like most of the other shops. The convenience of living in this ghost town was that scavenging for supplies was easy, especially when no one else dared to step foot outside with the fast zombies roaming the streets.

But Ryo also knew the beach might be overrun with the dead. Zombies weren't limited to the towns or cities; they wandered wherever there was life—or the memory of life. He imagined a scene of zombies trudging along the shoreline, their pale, grey skin contrasting with the endless blue sea. No matter, he thought. I can control them. If they're there, they won't stop me.

His mind wandered to the idea of setting up a camp by the water, fishing under the sun, and maybe even cooking his catch over a fire. With the right planning, it could be a break from the harshness of survival. He glanced at Sachiko as they walked, thinking about how she might react to the idea. She'd probably enjoy a change of scenery too. Maybe it would lift her spirits.

Even Sayako would benefit from a new environment, though the thought of bringing a zombie to the beach was almost absurd. But then again, she's not just any zombie. Ryo smirked to himself. The beach, the ocean, the fresh seafood—it all seemed like an escape from the frozen world he was currently trudging through.

Ryo tightened his grip on the supplies in his arms. After the winter ends, the beach is next. And this time, I'll make sure we enjoy it.