Untouched by the Outbreak

The silence of the night was broken by a faint, unsettling sound. Ryo woke with a start, his senses immediately alert. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand; it read 2:00 a.m. He listened intently, straining to identify the source of the noise. His mind immediately went to the creeping zombies he had encountered earlier—the ones with human faces, human bodies, and unnerving speed.

He carefully slipped out of bed, mindful of not waking Sakura and Aiko, who lay peacefully beside him, their naked bodies relaxed and serene. He silently closed the bedroom door behind him, grabbed his MP5, and made his way outside.

The cool night air washed over him as he stepped into the yard. The solar-powered lamps cast an eerie glow, creating long shadows that danced across the walls of the house. His eyes scanned the area, and his heart sank as he spotted them. Creeping zombies clung to the walls of his house, their black eyes gleaming in the dim light, their movements unnaturally fast.

Ryo's jaw clenched, anger and determination flaring inside him. He wouldn't let these creatures get any closer to his home. He raised his gun, aiming at the closest zombie. "Get away from my house," he commanded in a low, fierce voice. "Or I will shoot."

To his astonishment, the creeping zombies paused as if considering his words. Slowly, almost reluctantly, they began to move away from the walls, their black eyes fixed on him. Ryo watched in disbelief as they crawled back into the darkness, obeying his command.

He lowered his gun, his mind racing. Why were these zombies responding to his orders? What was it about him that made them behave this way? His thoughts turned to his immunity and the strange effects his blood seemed to have. There was so much he didn't understand, and it was becoming increasingly clear that his unique connection to the zombies held secrets he needed to uncover.

Ryo's immediate concern was ensuring that no Creeper zombies had infiltrated his base. He knew these agile creatures could easily scale walls and navigate tight spaces. He carefully inspected the perimeter, his eyes sharp and alert. He checked the steel fence for any signs of tampering or attempted breaches.

The sturdy gabions and steel barriers stood strong, showing no signs of giving way to the relentless onslaught of the undead. He shone his flashlight along the fence line, ensuring that the zombies hadn't found any weak spots or gaps to exploit.

Ryo also examined the ground for any traces of disturbance. He looked for footprints, drag marks, or any signs that intruders—zombie or human—had attempted to infiltrate his base. He knew that the fence was only as strong as its weakest point, so he paid extra attention to areas where the fence met the ground, ensuring that no gaps had formed over time.

His vigilance extended beyond the fence as well. He scanned the surrounding area for any signs of unusual zombie behavior or the presence of hostile survivors. He listened intently for any sounds that didn't belong in the quiet of the night.

The solar-powered lamps illuminated the perimeter, casting an eerie glow on the scene, making it easier for Ryo to spot any potential threats, checking for any signs of intrusion, determined to keep Sakura, Aiko, and himself safe. The thought of finding a Creeper zombie lurking inside their refuge sent a chill down Ryo's spine.

He imagined one of those agile creatures creeping in the shadows, waiting to strike. He finished his inspection of the perimeter, his heart pounding with determination to keep his loved ones safe.

As he completed his sweep of the area, he felt a mix of relief and unease. Relief that no immediate threats were apparent, but unease knowing that the danger was always lurking. With a sense of heightened vigilance, he decided to head back inside. He took one last look at the surrounding darkness, steeling himself for any potential dangers that might lie in wait.

As he turned to go back inside, he imagined the Creeper zombies scaling the walls or lurking just beyond the fence, their black eyes gleaming with malicious intent. He knew they were out there, waiting for an opportunity to strike. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, reinforcing his resolve to protect Sakura and Aiko

Returning inside, he quietly closed the door and locked it. He put his gun aside and slipped back into bed, feeling the warmth of Sakura and Aiko's naked bodies beside him. They hadn't stirred during his absence, and he was grateful for that. As he lay there, listening to the comforting rhythm of their breathing, he knew he needed to figure out more about his unique connection to the zombies.

He looked at their peaceful faces, their chests rising and falling gently with each breath, and felt a surge of protectiveness.

He was determined to keep them safe, no matter what it took. But his mind was also plagued by the dangers posed by other survivors and the scarcity of resources. Venturing outside the safety of their refuge meant confronting hostile humans and the constant threat of looters or raiders. The thought of putting Sakura and Aiko in harm's way weighed heavily on him.

Ryo contemplated his options. He knew that staying put was not a viable long-term solution, as their resources were finite. He considered the possibility of scavenging for food in abandoned stores or searching for hidden stashes that others might have overlooked. The risks were high, but the potential rewards could mean the difference between survival and starvation.

Ryo's thoughts turned to the types of resources they required. Food was indeed a priority, but his mind also wandered to the crucial need for medical supplies and ammunition. He knew that injuries and conflicts were inevitable in this harsh world, and being prepared could mean the difference between life and death.

He considered the possibility of finding hidden caches of supplies that others might have overlooked, increasing their chances of survival

He knew that each trip outside the fence was fraught with danger. The world beyond the safety of their refuge was unpredictable and ruthless. But he was prepared to face those threats head-on, driven by his unwavering determination to safeguard the ones he loved.

As his eyes grew heavy, his mind conjured images of the dangers that awaited him—the relentless zombies, the cunning humans, and the relentless struggle for survival.

Ryo's resolve strengthened even as his eyes slowly closed. He knew that sleep was necessary to recharge his body and mind, but his heart remained vigilant, ever aware of the challenges that lay ahead. As he drifted off, his last thoughts were of Sakura and Aiko, their peaceful faces, and the unwavering promise he had made to protect them no matter what