Sankarea: Undying Love Episode 1: Once I... Become a... Zombie

In a misty, dreamlike void, Chihiro walks with a figure he wishes were a zombie, expressing his strange desire. The illusion breaks, and Rea Sanka appears, ethereal but marked by blood, her eyes glowing red. She leans in, not for a kiss, but a bite, jarring Chihiro awake in a cold sweat. He grapples with the terrifying reality of his new pet, or rather, his new responsibility.

Morning at the temple is shattered by Ranko's shriek, having stumbled upon Rea in Chihiro's room. Ranko, undressed and mortified, confronts Chihiro, demanding to know why the "runaway Sanka girl" is there. Chihiro frantically attempts to conceal Rea's undead state as Ranko grows increasingly agitated, throwing objects and accusing him of dark deeds. Overwhelmed by the noise, Rea, with an eerie, crawling gait, escapes through the window, leaving a desperate Chihiro to send Ranko for his grandfather.

Chihiro finds Rea and the cat, Babu, in the garden, consuming vibrant blue hydrangeas with dazed intensity. To his horror and fascination, he realizes the toxic plants are part of his resurrection potion. As the poison takes effect, Rea's eyes shift to a piercing red, and her vacant expression gives way to sharp, human lucidity. She becomes confused, then deeply embarrassed by her state, causing Chihiro to hastily throw her his shirt for cover.

Ranko returns with Jogoro, Chihiro's grandfather, who immediately identifies Rea as a "Saja," a resurrected being. Jogoro explains the harsh truth: Rea's body will rot, her brain decay, without specific care. He outlines three grim rules: constant exercise, a cold environment, and regular doses of hydrangea toxin. Chihiro's romanticized view of his zombie is replaced by the stark, scientific requirements of her unnatural existence.

From the roof, Chihiro watches Rea amongst the hydrangeas, realizing the profound responsibility he now bears. He confronts his father, Doon, earnestly pleading for Rea to stay, promising to take full responsibility. Doon, in a rare moment of compassion, reminds Chihiro of the temple's history as a refuge for women in need and grants permission. Chihiro shouts the good news to Rea, her red eyes softening in response, while Ranko observes with a mix of sadness and resignation.

Chihiro begins an "Undead Diary" to meticulously document Rea's condition, while Rea expresses guilt, feeling like a burden. Chihiro reassures her, but an awkward exchange follows regarding their previous "kiss," which Rea, due to her unconscious state, cannot recall. Mero quietly observes the bizarre interaction as Chihiro demonstrates Rea's newfound, immense physical strength, inadvertently injuring himself in the process.

At dinner, Rea eats alone in Chihiro's room, too embarrassed to join the family. Chihiro fabricates excuses to his family, claiming Rea is merely shy, while Mero quietly acknowledges her presence. Chihiro brings Rea food, but understands the gesture is futile; she cannot taste it. The meal is further disrupted by Jogoro's loud complaint about the miso soup, a familiar eccentric scene that ironically provides cover for Chihiro's secret.

Later that night, Ranko delivers Rea's belongings, her grudging help indicating a reluctant acceptance of Rea's presence. She warns Chihiro of the severe consequences if Rea's powerful father discovers her whereabouts. Back in his room, Chihiro finds Rea quietly feeding hydrangeas to Babu in the pale moonlight, her skin translucent, her eyes burning. He contemplates the vast differences in their existence and the daunting task of sustaining her beyond the hydrangea season.

To provide Rea with exercise, Chihiro takes her for a secret night walk, where she expresses a poignant sense of freedom despite her undead state. When a car swerves towards them, Chihiro instinctively shoves Rea to safety, taking the impact himself. Rea, her eyes filled with concern, rushes to his side and begins to lick his bleeding wound, explaining her saliva's antiseptic properties. Chihiro gazes at her, his future now inextricably bound to this strange, intimately caring zombie.