The tension in the Grimes household was thick as Marcus helped his family pack essentials for the trip to Atlanta. He had convinced them that moving to the city would be safer, citing the potential for government aid and protection. Rick was on board, though skeptical, while Jeffrey and Lori were uneasy but trusted Marcus's instincts.
Final Preparations
Marcus moved swiftly, loading the family's supplies into the car. Their bags were filled with food, water, medical kits, books, and the weapons they had crafted. He also packed extra clothes, blankets, and tools.
"Make sure you've got everything," Marcus reminded them. "Once we leave, there's no turning back."
Carl clutched his bow tightly, his face determined. "I'm ready."
Rick double-checked the gas tank. "We've got enough to make it to Atlanta, but we'll need to be careful."
As the family gathered by the car, there was a knock on the door.
Shane's Arrival
Shane Walsh stood at the entrance, his expression a mix of desperation and relief.
"Rick," Shane began, his voice tense. "I heard you're heading to Atlanta. Mind if I tag along?"
Rick exchanged a glance with Lori, who looked uneasy. Marcus observed silently, his instincts warning him about Shane's motives.
"Why Atlanta?" Rick asked cautiously.
Shane shrugged. "Heard it might be safer. Roads are getting dangerous out here."
After a moment of hesitation, Rick nodded. "Alright, but we leave now."
Shane smirked. "I'll grab my stuff."
The Road to Atlanta
The group set off in two vehicles, with Rick driving the lead car and Shane following behind. Marcus sat in the back, his eyes scanning the road and surroundings. His system map was active, highlighting areas of potential danger.
The once-familiar roads were now eerie and desolate, with abandoned cars and debris scattered everywhere. Occasionally, they spotted walkers aimlessly wandering, but they avoided them.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Marcus warned.
A Cry for Help
As they approached a junction, they spotted a minivan surrounded by walkers. A man and woman inside the vehicle screamed for help as the undead clawed at the doors.
Rick hit the brakes, and Shane pulled up behind him.
"We can't just leave them!" Carl cried.
Rick hesitated, torn between helping the strangers and keeping his family safe.
"Rick, we've got weapons," Marcus said firmly. "We can do this. But we have to be smart."
Rick nodded, gripping his crowbar. "Alright. Shane, cover the back. Marcus, you're with me."
The Rescue
The group moved swiftly. Marcus fired his bow, his arrows silently taking out two walkers near the van. Rick and Shane worked together to take down others, while Jeffrey guarded Lori and Carl.
"Over here!" Marcus shouted to the family in the van, opening the driver's side door.
The man and woman, both trembling with fear, climbed out. "Thank you," the man gasped. "We thought we were done for."
"Stay close," Marcus ordered.
The walkers were thinning, but one lunged at Shane, catching him off guard. Marcus stepped in, swinging his crowbar with precision and taking it down.
Walker Neutralized: +20 XP
Skill Progression: Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization +10%
Within minutes, the area was clear.
A New Addition
The rescued couple introduced themselves as Mike and Sarah. They had been trying to get to Atlanta but had run out of gas.
"You can come with us," Rick offered, though his tone was cautious.
Mike nodded gratefully. "Thank you. We owe you."
Marcus observed them carefully, ensuring they weren't a threat.
Moving Forward
With Mike and Sarah joining their group, they continued toward Atlanta. Marcus couldn't shake the feeling that things would only get harder from here.
As the convoy moved down the road, he checked his system:
Name: Marcus Grimes
Strength: 5
Agility/Dexterity: 5
Endurance: 3
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 6
Luck: 10 (Locked)
Skills:
Advance First Aid (Intermediate)
Basic Mechanics (Intermediate)
Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization (Intermediate)
Survivalist Knowledge (Novice)
Teaching (Novice)
Foraging (Novice)
Urban Gardening (Novice)
Basic Blacksmithing (Novice)
Bow Crafting (Novice)
Basic Metalworking (Novice)
Improvised Weaponry (Novice)**
Marcus closed the interface, determined to keep everyone safe.
"This is just the beginning. We have to stay strong."