When I wake up, my body is so sore it feels like I've turned to stone. But every part of me is thrumming with new energy. I guess I've been so tense that I haven't been sleeping properly. But last night I finally relaxed enough to rest. My ears turn red as I remember how Yin held me yesterday.
"After all that time I spent to make sure my image was perfect!" I sigh, realizing that whatever cool image of me I had managed to create is definitely ruined now. Panic runs through me.
Don't tell me this girl ran off again!
Oh...wait. The shower is running. She's still here. Come to think of it, this girl definitely showered last night as well. I guess it's not a bad idea to take advantage of the running water while we have it. Although it's going to rain later anyways...or is it?
"Wait, is it going to rain or is it not going to rain? Actually, what time is it?"
I stick my head out the window and realize that it's much later than I expected. I slept in all the way until late afternoon. I guess I was more tired than I thought. And yet, there definitely isn't any sign that it's rained. Shaking my head, I shrug. There's no sense worrying about something I can't change. Getting out of bed, I put on my boots and wait for Yin to finish showering. She blushes when she opens the shower door and sees me outside.
"H-Hei! I thought you were sleeping!"
This girl...wasn't she acting super coy last night? We spent it cuddling like two pretzels in a box and now she's shy again?
Looking away, I wave her away with an amused expression.
"Come on! We're late, there's hunting to be done."
"We're only late because you wouldn't wake up, sleepyhead!" She complains but quickly goes into the room to change. By the time she comes out, I've thought up of a plan. Everything in my head is a lot clearer now that I'm rested. I think I know what we need to do. Yin comes out fully dressed, knotting her hair into a ponytail. "What's the plan?"
"Follow me."
Outside of town, I glance at the sky once more. Yup, there's no sign of rainclouds. Whatever happened last time was a freak occurrence. That means this time should follow the original timeline. At least, I think it will.
Frowning, I beckon Yin onto the path.
Assuming nothing's changed, I'm aware that going directly to the Corrupted Bear's den will probably trigger an attack by the infected wolves which we can't survive yet. In that case, I should go and find those Drowned Ghouls again. I'll level myself to Lvl. 5 first to ensure that I'm strong enough to protect Yin. Then we'll show those damn things who's boss.
Nodding to myself, I sharpen Yin's blade with a rock from the river.
"Okay, listen to me, if I'm ever bitten, you have to promise me that you'll finish me off. No hesitation, no buts, just do it. Or else I'll come after you when I turn." I say solemnly to Yin before beginning. "You won't want to do it, but it's life or death. Once bitten, we are just dead men walking. Trust me, it would be a mercy to kill us before the virus takes over. Understand?"
"Got it." Yin bites her lips at my words. I know she probably will hesitate just like the last couple times, if it comes down to it, but that's okay. That's part of who she is and I need to accept that until she grows more experienced. It was unfair of me to expect someone as innocent as her to match up to my ruthless experience from two lives. Well, more than two lives now.
"I'm going. Hold onto this and watch carefully. Also, if you hear anything behind you, run to me." I toss my cleaver to her and she hurriedly reaches out to catch it. As she juggles the thick blade awkwardly between her hands, I smile, flourishing her katana a few times. "Let me show you what real zombie-killing is like!"
