The prison loomed in the distance as the group approached, the imposing walls a beacon of hope. The journey had been long and fraught with danger, but they had made it—finally. Now, the hard part began: clearing the walkers from the prison and making it secure.
Clearing the Prison
Marcus, Rick, and Daryl took the lead as they approached the prison's front gates. The main yard was filled with walkers, wandering inside. It was clear that the facility had been overrun long ago, but its walls still stood strong.
"We need to clear the yard first," Marcus said. "Once that's done, we'll have a better shot at securing the inner buildings."
The group moved into position, weapons at the ready. Daryl was quick to shoot down a few walkers that strayed too close, while Marcus and Rick focused on clearing the main yard.
The sound of gunshots echoed off the prison walls, but it didn't attract any new walkers—at least, not yet. The group methodically eliminated the zombies in the yard, making their way toward the entrances. Every step was calculated. They couldn't afford any mistakes.
It was only when they reached the prison's inner gate that they noticed movement—a small group of survivors had holed up inside, apparently hiding from the walkers.
Meeting the Prison Survivors
"Hold fire," Rick called out as they approached cautiously.
From behind a set of rusted bars, four survivors appeared. They were battered, clearly on edge, and had seen too much of the world outside the prison.
The first man to step forward was a large figure, his body thick with muscle but weary eyes that spoke of survival at all costs.
"Big Tiny," he introduced himself, voice rough. "We've been stuck in here since... well, before. Can't say it's been easy."
Behind him stood three others: Oscar, Axel, and two prison security guards who seemed more wary than anything else. Their faces were tense, but the desperate hunger in their eyes spoke volumes—they were ready to do whatever it took to survive.
"We were part of the crew that worked under Tomas and Andrew," Oscar said, voice low. "When they turned on us, we had to make a run for it. We've been holding out in the cell block ever since."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Tomas and Andrew?"
"Yeah," Axel replied. "They weren't good people. Tried to kill us just to take control of the place. We fought back and killed 'em both, but we've been stuck here, trying to keep the walkers out."
Daryl's eyes narrowed. "How many walkers inside?"
"Too many," Big Tiny muttered. "But if you can help us clear 'em out, we'll make it worth your while. We've got supplies and weapons, and we know this place inside and out. But we need help getting rid of the dead."
Tension Brews
The group shared a look, uncertainty clouding their faces. They'd come to the prison for safety, but they were now faced with a tough decision. These survivors had managed to live this long, but how trustworthy were they?
"Why didn't you try to escape earlier?" Rick asked.
Axel scratched his head. "We were waiting for the right moment. Didn't have enough ammo or food to make a real break for it. When you showed up, we saw a chance."
"Alright," Marcus said, his tone decisive. "We'll help you clear the walkers, but we're not taking any chances. If you try anything—anything—we'll take you down."
Big Tiny nodded. "Fair enough. We're not looking for trouble. Just need a safe place to survive."
The Walker Push
With the group of survivors now allied with them, Marcus, Rick, Daryl, and the others pushed forward, leading the charge into the heart of the prison. They worked together, systematically clearing the walkers that wandered inside. It was a grueling and exhausting task, but the prison was theirs to reclaim.
Hours passed, and the group began to make real progress. Every hallway and cell block was carefully swept, clearing each room one by one. But the deeper they went, the more dangerous the task became. Walkers were bunched up in areas where it was nearly impossible to avoid attracting more of them.
At one point, a stray walker lunged at Marcus from behind a cell door. He barely had time to react, swinging his crowbar and striking the walker's skull with precision. The dead body crumpled to the floor, and Marcus took a breath, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"That's the last of 'em," Rick said as they cleared the last section of the yard. "We've got the outer walls secured."
Trusting the Newcomers
Back at the main gates, Marcus pulled Oscar aside. "You sure we can trust these guys?" he asked quietly.
Oscar looked at the other survivors and then back at Marcus. "We've been through hell, man. All we're asking for is a place to stay and some food. But if you don't trust us yet, that's understandable."
Marcus considered his words carefully. "We'll give you a chance. But any funny business and we won't hesitate."
As the group moved into the heart of the prison, it was clear that the hardest part was just beginning. The walls were high, and the prison could be defended—if they could work together. But trust would be a long road, and the danger outside wasn't the only threat.