Untouched by the Outbreak

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 researcher took over. **If he did that, I could observe it, maybe even document it.** After all, she was a doctor, a researcher by nature. The thought of studying how Ryo and Sayako might interact that way intrigued her.

Sayako's body was beautiful, with skin as pale and flawless as porcelain, preserved in a way that fascinated Sachiko. **How does her body respond? How would Ryo...**

Her mind wandered further, **Or maybe... I should just ask him to do it. In front of me.** She smiled mischievously. **After all, I want to know.** The thought of proposing something like that amused her more than it should have. Sachiko was always curious about the biology and capabilities of the zombies Ryo commanded, and Sayako was no exception. **Wouldn't it be fascinating to see the interaction?**

She followed Ryo and Sayako through the snow, her thoughts now filled with the possibilities of her strange and twisted curiosity.

Sachiko's heart raced at the thought, her lips curling into a subtle smile. **Maybe... just maybe... soon,** she mused. She could ask Ryo to do it. First, she would let Ryo have her, like he always did, his touch and warmth enveloping her.

While enjoying their intimate moment, she'd find the right moment to whisper her curiosity, her strange desire to see him with Sayako. What if Ryo could do it with Sayako too? The thought excited her more than she expected.

She imagined the scene in vivid detail—Ryo moving between her and Sayako. It would be perfect... She could watch, learn, and observe the way their bodies reacted, especially Sayako's. Her beautiful, unchanging form, like a living doll. And Sachiko would record it all, just as Ryo had once recorded her with him.

The idea of documenting the encounter for research—or maybe just for herself—lit a fire in her. I am a researcher, after all,she reminded herself, justifying her desires.

As they walked through the cold town, Sachiko's excitement grew, her mind now consumed with the plans she might soon put into motion. It would only be a matter of time.

Ryo was focusing on checking the zombies around the town, satisfied after seeing that all the zombies were inside every shop. His eyes caught sight of some instant noodles on a store shelf. **Something hot would be good right about now,** he thought. He grabbed a few packs, feeling the sudden craving for a warm meal in the cold.

Turning around, he glanced at Sachiko, who was holding the portable heater close to herself, her breath visible in the frigid air.

"We should head home now," Ryo said, his voice firm but calm.

Sachiko nodded, pulling her jacket tighter as she followed him back. As usual, Sayako trailed behind, ever-loyal, always following Ryo wherever he went.

While walking home, Sachiko's mind raced with curiosity and excitement. She couldn't help but smile, thinking about how to ask Ryo if he would agree to be intimate with Sayako in front of her. **I wonder how he'd react...** The thought entertained her. But just as she was lost in her musings, Ryo noticed her smile.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked in a serious tone, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Startled, Sachiko quickly responded, "Nothing. Just... happy."

Ryo stared at her for a moment but then shrugged it off. "Let's go home now. I'm hungry, and I want to eat."

Sachiko nodded, saying, "Yes," as they continued walking.

Meanwhile, Ryo was focused on his own thoughts. He couldn't wait to get back and enjoy a hot meal. Instant noodles, seaweed, rice, and maybe some hot coffee... that would hit the spot, he thought, quickening his pace. Hunger gnawed at him, making the cold even more noticeable.

Ryo's thoughts drifted to the food he had stocked at home. Maybe I should open a can of beef, fry it up... he considered, picturing the sizzling sound of the meat in a pan. And maybe grab a few more canned goods to go along with it. It's been a while since I really enjoyed a good meal.

The thought of the warm, hearty food made his stomach growl louder as they walked through the cold. He was eager to get back and savor the comfort of hot, flavorful food in the warmth of his home. The idea of eating well after all his hard work gave him something to look forward to, especially with Sachiko by his side. **Tonight, I'm going to enjoy this,** he resolved, smirking to himself.

Knowing that the zombies he commanded were all sheltered, not roaming in the winter cold, lifted another weight off his shoulders. The brutes, Striders, Creepers—they were all contained, ensuring that no threat could breach his sanctuary. Even the soldiers, with their well-trained squads, wouldn't stand a chance if they dared come near. His army of the dead would take care of them.

Ryo looked ahead toward the path leading back to their house. Sachiko was smiling, and he felt her curiosity radiating, though she brushed off his questions earlier. She's thinking about something, Ryo mused, but didn't press further. Whatever it was, it could wait. Right now, his focus was on getting home, preparing a meal, and enjoying the warmth with Sachiko by his side.

Life's not so bad, he thought to himself, glancing at Sachiko, then at Sayako. With Sachiko as his human companion and Sayako for other, darker needs, he had carved out something close to a paradise in this frozen wasteland. It was strange, but it was his.

The thought of sitting down to eat, sharing the quiet moment with Sachiko, and having Sayako nearby was enough to make Ryo feel something close to contentment. Yeah, life is great.

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.