Untouched by the Outbreak

Chapter 149 - 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