Author note at the end. Enjoy.
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Afternoon passed in a rather tense situation, with everyone still being on the edge due to the walkers. During lunch, which was delayed with the walker situation and then the cleanup afterwards, was eaten in silent. The only words spoken were pass me that or this around the picnic table.
While Alex, Clem, and Lee were on one side, Kenny, Duck, and Katja were facing them, everyone's thoughts racing but not talking. While eating, Alex would notice Clementine fix what she wanted but wouldn't say, which fell on him to get her plate filled up. That earned a genuine smile and her, a protective hug in return.
While eyes constantly darted to the fence line, wary of any movement beyond, they could still enjoy their food without any urgency.
Kenny, picking at his food more than eating it, finally broke the uneasy silence. "We need to talk about what comes next," he said, his voice low but firm.
Everyone looked up from their plate, while Alex and Lee exchanged a glance, including Clementine in that moment of silent communication. They looked to Kenny, who was still in thought, then to Katja who seemed to be sitting straighter now, before their eyes turned to Kenny again.
"Okay." Lee spoke up, while instinctively placing a protective arm around her, while Alex gave her a head pat, shaking her head side to side. Her giggles brought smiles to everyone around the table, while breaking the tension that was building up.
Kenny spoke of his original plan to head to the coast and Alex's warning. At first, he hadn't taken it seriously, until the situation with walkers woke them up to the reality of their situation. "You said, you needed to go to Macon." Kenny brought it up to Lee and Alex.
Both nodding.
"I've got family there. And Alex's friend is there as well. And at worst, It's only about a one-hour drive from here." Lee spoke up, while Alex went back to eating. He was starving. The diet change, again, was hitting him hard. 'Or is it the mental restrain…' He thought to himself with a frown.
"But we can't settle our base there." Alex spoke up, finally catching the meaning behind Kenny's word. Everyone turned to him. "Macon has a population of ten thousand. While it may seem small, think of that numbers as walkers."
His words brought the mood down again, and noticing it, Alex grimaced. "Sorry." He muttered but Katja shook her head, giving him a gentle smile. "Don't worry about it, dear."
Alex nodded gratefully at Katjaa's reassurance, but the weight of his words hung heavy over the group. Kenny leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought.
"So, if not Macon, where?" he asked, his voice a mix of frustration and concern.
Lee spoke up, his arm still protectively around Clementine. "Maybe we don't need to decide that right now. We could go to Macon, check on our people, and then scout for a safer location nearby."
"Actually," Alex stopped him. "I do have a list. Cities with a thousand population at best. Even if ninety percent of them are walkers, the remaining humans should have run away in panic. We could find ourselves a hotel, clear out the building, and that'll be all."
Though others lit up, Alex frowned in worry. "The only problem then would be the food situation."
Though the words did bring everyone down again, Kenny was optimistic. "First thing's first, Macon. Once we've got your people, we can scout around the area for something suitable."
Alex leaned forward, his expression serious. "If we're going to do this, we should get on the road today. It's only a one-hour drive, but who knows what we might encounter along the way."
The group fell silent for a moment, the reality of their situation settling over them once again. Clementine looked up at Lee, her eyes wide with worry.
"Do we have to go right now?" she asked softly.
Kenny stood up, "I'll go let Hershel and Shawn know about our plans. They deserve to know what we're thinking." While Lee comforted Clementine.
As Kenny walked towards the farmhouse, the rest of the group began discussing the logistics of the Macon trip. Alex was in the middle of outlining potential routes, away from the highways, when Kenny returned, a look of surprise on his face.
"You're not going to believe this," he said, shaking his head. "Hershel and his family have made a decision of their own."
The group listened in astonishment as Kenny relayed what he'd learned. Hershel and his family had decided to turn the farm into a shelter for them and they were welcome to stay as long as they wanted. The only condition Hershel had put down was to follow the rules he had set up about his house and to help around the farm to solidify it.
This unexpected development changed everything. After a heated discussion, a new plan emerged.
"Alright," Kenny said, taking charge. "Here's what I think we should do. Lee, Alex, and I will go to Macon today. We'll check on Lee's family, find Alex's friend and his folks if we can. My family and Clem should stay here. We'll come back with whoever we find, and then go from there."
The group fell silent, processing Kenny's proposal. Lee looked at Clementine, concern etched on his face. "Sweet pea, how do you feel about staying here with Katjaa and Duck while we go to Macon?"
Clementine's lower lip trembled slightly, but she put on a brave face. "I... I guess it's okay. But you promise you'll come back?"
Lee knelt down beside her, his voice gentle but firm. "I promise, Clem. We'll be back before you know it."
Alex nodded in agreement. "It's the safest option. The farm is secure enough for now, and you'll have Katjaa and Duck for company."
Katjaa moved closer to Clementine, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder while kneeling on her level. "Don't worry, Clementine. We'll take good care of you until they return. And you can help us get the farm ready for more people."
Kenny looked at his wife gratefully. "You sure you're okay with this, hon?"
Katjaa nodded. "It's the right thing to do. We'll be fine here."
With the decision made, the group began preparations for the Macon trip. Alex and Lee gathered supplies while Kenny went to inform Hershel of their modified plans. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, Hershel emerged from the house with his wife, Annette.
"Everyone," Hershel called out, "I'd like you to meet my wife, Annette."
Annette smiled warmly at the group. "It's nice to finally meet you all. I'm sorry I haven't been out sooner. Things have been... overwhelming."
As Alex, Lee, and Kenny prepared to leave, the mood grew somber. Goodbyes were exchanged, with Lee hugging Clementine tightly.
"Be good for Katjaa, okay?" Lee said softly. "I'll be back soon."
Clementine nodded, fighting back tears. "Okay, Lee. Please be careful."
Alex knelt down to Clementine's level. "Hey, when we get back, I'll teach you how to shoot my slingshot. How about that?"
This brought a small smile to Clementine's face. "Promise?"
"Pinky promise," Alex replied with a grin, showing her his pinky which she happily circled around her's.
As the three men climbed into Kenny's vehicule, Hershel approached the driver's side window. "Remember, you've always got a place here. If things look bad out there, you turn around and come back, you hear?"
Kenny nodded from the driver's seat. "We appreciate that, Hershel. We'll be careful."
With a final wave, he started the engine. As they pulled away from the farm, Lee turned in his seat, watching Clementine's small figure grow smaller in the side mirror, while Alex waved at them.
As the farm disappeared from view, Kenny broke the silence. "So, what's the plan when we get to Macon?"
Lee shifted in his seat. "We should check my family's drugstore first. If they're not there, maybe they left a message."
Kenny nodded. "Sounds good. And your friend, Alex? Where were you supposed to meet?"
"The local pizza place," Alex replied. "It was Glen's previous job before moving to college."
As they continued their journey, the conversation flowed more freely. They discussed potential scenarios, made contingency plans, and even shared a few lighter moments, trying to keep their spirits up in the face of uncertainty.
Back at the farm, Clementine stood at the fence long after the truck had disappeared from view. Katjaa stood beside her, a comforting presence while the darkening night slowly pushed away the light of the day.
"They'll come back," Clementine said, her voice small but determined. "They promised."
Katjaa smiled down at her. "Yes, they will, honey. Yes, they will." She whispered, as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
As night fell, Kenny's family and Clem were invited to the safety of the house instead of the barn and introductions were passed around by Hershel's children. Jokes and stories shared to lighten the mood and to cheer those who were left behind.
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Alex and others had reached Macon, and thanks to Kenny's driving skills, they weaved through cars that were left behind in the middle of the streets with no owners inside until they reached the drug store that Lee's family owned. The cars that did have an owner inside, were stuck with their seat belts on, as they growled at the passing RV.
Slowly, and quietly, the three man exited the RV, and froze at a couple of meters in front of them. About 50 meters, it looked like there was a man crouching near a car, most of his body covered and before Kenny could open his mouth to call him, Alex grabbed his shoulder and shushed him.
"Let's not risk anything." He whispered, giving the man his machete, and Kenny nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Lee slowly moved towards the drug store, trying to pry open the caged entrance but no luck.
"Its locked." He whispered to the others. Shivering, Alex took out his slingshot and prepared to kill things with his steel ammos filled in his pockets.
"Can you find another way in?" Kenny suggested, back pedaling slowly and not leaving the crouched figure from his sight. "I'll-"
BANG
A gunshot in the distance cut Lee, freezing all three of them. "You've got to be kidding me." Alex muttered, eyes wide alongside Lee and Kenny. Immediately, they turned to the figure, who turned out to be a walker who stood up and looked around, before finding them.
"So, they can fucking SEE!" Alex frustratingly muttered, as the thing started to head towards them. "Shoot it!" Kenny hissed at Alex, while he shook his head frantically. "I can't, its too far! -" More growling came from the other side of the street and when they turned to Lee, who was about to guide them down an alley, more walkers emerged who spotted them.
"FUCK!" Kenny half shouted half hissed, machete in hand clenched tightly.
As if that wasn't enough, a few more gunshots echoed throughout the place. "I really want to find the bastard that's shooting and shove the gun up his ass!" Alex cursed, shooting the closest walker that came out of the alleyway, its head snapped back and fell dead. Two seconds, before another steel ball struck another one.
Kenny, watching Alex's back, glanced to Lee. "Lee, with me," The other man nodded. Cautiously walking up to the closest walker on the coming from the streets, Kenny swung the machete into the head of one, before Lee kicked its dead body into the wave behind it.
They stumbled and a couple fell, buying them time. "Little help!" Alex called out, slowly backing out while shooting the walkers from 6 meters away. "FUCK!" He hissed, missing another shot as it travelled and hit a walker in the neck. Staggering it, but it continued to advance towards Alex.
Immediately, Kenny and Lee bolted, with the southern man launching a kick and send the closest one to Alex flying, while swinging his machete into the skull of another.
"Alex, behind you." Lee warned, pointing at where the stumbling walkers stood back up and was heading towards them. Switching position, Alex killed the first one at the distance of 10 meters. Though when it fell, others behind it tripped on it. But instead of standing up like before, they started crawling.
Alex shivered and voice cracked as he cursed again. He back pedaled while shooting, missing two thirds of his shot due to his hand shaking. "Fuck!" He cursed again, frustration and horror welling up in him, tears in the corner of his eyes. Until he hit Kenny's back and his eyes shot up. There was no more space to run.
They were surrounded by at least fifty or so walkers. Even with Kenny switching the machete swinging duty with Lee, both man were exhausted now. "Shit…" Lee muttered in… peace, before switching with Kenny again.
Kenny, sweat dripping down his face, alternated between swinging the machete and catching his breath. "We can't keep this up much longer," he panted. His voice barely audible over the growling noises of the walker.
Alex's hands trembled as he reloaded his slingshot, his expression replaced by raw fear. "I'm running low on ammo," he said, his voice cracking and trembling. Eyes not leaving the crawling monsters.
"HE'S MY FRIEND!" A familiar voice shouted, before a punch was thrown and the door to the drug store was opened.
Glen.
Though he momentarily froze at the amount of walkers, he still hastily unlocked the caged entrance. "HERE! LET'S GO!" He shouted to snap the trio's attention to himself. Though, it also brought the walkers' attention to him as well.
The first to notice was Lee, who shouted at Kenny. Both nodded and bolted towards the drugstore. Alex seemed to be frozen in place, fear overloading his brain, tensing every single muscle in his body.
"Alex, come on!" Kenny called out, noticing the young man not running to them.
Alex snapped out of his terror-induced trance at his name being called and scrambled after them, tripping over a dead walker in his haste and grunted in pain. "ALEX!" Glen called out in horror, his body moving before his brain could register.
Grabbing his best friend's arm, he dragged Alex towards the entrance, until a walker grabbed the 19 years old by his left leg. The hands on his limbs turned him even more tense, before noticing Glen then the walker who had his leg.
Eyes widened, he used his left leg to kick the walkers face.
But it was too late. The thing dug its teeth into Alex's foot, trying its best to tear flesh out with a piece of his sneakers.
"AAAAHHH!!" Alex shouted in pain, tears falling his cheeks, but he kicked the walker's face, freeing his foot from the rotting teeth.
Glen's face paled as he saw the walker bite into Alex's foot. With a surge of adrenaline, he yanked Alex harder, finally pulling him free from the walker's grasp. Together, they stumbled through the drugstore entrance, with Kenny and Lee slamming the gate shut behind them.
"Lock it! Lock it now!" Kenny shouted, his voice hoarse with exertion.
As Lee secured the gate then the entrance, Glen helped Alex to a nearby counter, the young man's face contorted in pain and fear. "No, no, no,no,no" Alex muttered, his eyes wide and unfocused.
"Let me see," Glen said, his hands shaking as he reached for Alex's foot.
"Don't touch it!" Alex snapped, then immediately softened. "I'm sorry, I just... I don't know what's going to happen now."
"Am… Am I…?" He kept muttering, sinking to the floor, his hands covering his face as he cried. Alex's sobs echoed through the space, stretching the silence for a few moment.
Glen placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, grabbing it tightly enough to ground him at the present moment, while kneeling beside him. "Let me take a look at that foot, Alex. We need to assess the damage."
Before Glen could reach for Alex's foot, a gruff voice cut through the air. "Hold it right there! Who the hell are you people?"
The group turned to see an older man, his face red with anger and exertion, standing near the pharmacy counter, a red mark on his face. Beside him was a woman with short brown hair, her hand clenched tightly by her side.
"Dad, calm down," the woman said, her voice tense. "They're clearly not walkers."
Lee stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture, yet brows frowned, eyes locked on the older man. "We don't want any trouble. We were just trying to survive out there, same as you."
The banging on the covered windows continued.
"And now you've brought one of those things in here with you!" the older man shouted, pointing at Alex, who had stopped sobbing, but tears freely ran down his eyes, crying silently, a hand covering his eyes, while the other holding on to Glen's for comfort.
"He's not a walker, he's my friend!" Glen protested, covering Alex protectively behind him.
"He's been bit," a new voice chimed in. A young woman with short brown hair and a press pass clipped to her shirt stepped forward. "We all know what that means." Voice cautious, but not unkind.
"It means we have to end this, now." The old man, Larry, said, taking a step towards Alex. While Glen and Lee tensed, Kenny moved in front of them, machete tightly clenched in his hand, knuckles white. "Take another step, and your head will go flying." His voice was firm, controlled, but there was hint of anger in his tone.
The woman beside Larry, Lilly, placed a hand on her father's arm, shooting a glare at Kenny. "Dad, please," she said, her voice strained. "Let's not do anything hasty."
Lee stepped forward, positioning himself between Kenny and Larry. "Everyone needs to calm down," he said, his voice level but authoritative. "We don't know enough about this... infection to make rash decisions."
The woman with the press pass, Carley, spoke up again after thinking for a moment. "He's right... We've seen people turn, but we don't know how long it takes or if there's any way to stop it."
From the back of the store, a heavyset man with glasses nervously approached. "Maybe... maybe we could keep him quarantined? At least until we know more?"
Larry scoffed. "And risk all our lives? Not a chance!"
Alex, still on the floor, looked up, his face tear-streaked but now determined. "I... I know," he said, his voice shaky. While Glen took out the sneaker and looked at it, hopefully. Before moving to his best friend's socks.
His heart sunk at seeing a wet patch where he was bitten. Though he wasn't the only one. Before Larry could open his mouth, "I'm gonna take off your socks, Alex." Glen informed, getting a shaky nod from him.
"We have to throw him out there!" Larry spoke, about to take another step, but Kenny crouched a little, getting into his attacking position. "You think I'm bluffing?" Kenny hissed at the older man. "Come on. Put that foot in front of the other. I'd love that."
The encouragement silenced everyone in the room, the tension getting to its highest level. "I've been getting sick of your complaining and orders. That boy saved my family, gave me hope. If you think anyone's gonna touch him, then do it after you've managed to kill me." Kenny muttered, glaring Larry, then at everyone that weren't Lee and Glen.
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Author Note:
Hello, hello :3
How's everyone? How's the cliff? Windy? Snowy? Comfortable?
First of all, do you guys enjoy the explanation/ranting after each chapter?
If not, I'll keep it short, otherwise, I'll talk about what made me write what I did.
So, this chapter, Alex is bit. Tensions are high. I kept thinking that their travel to Macon needs to be dangerous. It can't be smooth sealing like back in the farm. Someone HAS to die to give them another "wake up to reality." slap to the face. Which brings us to this chapter.
What do you think about Kenny? Is he the DAWG.
While watching the gameplays, I never understood him. I thought he was reckless, and prideful. Said things that worsened situations. Was too aggressive. But reading his BIO in Wiki, I understood him better. He has reasons behind those things, and if I do a good job, as a writer, I can use those qualities of his to make him interesting.
Now that the casts are in Macon, I'll have to find a way to get them out, which funnily enough, haven't thought about yet. I won't return to the farm POV for another or two chapters. But we'll see, might think of something that'll change it.
Anyway, I'll keep it short. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED here plz.
Thanks for reading. Author out.