When the outbreak finally hit our small, lakeside town, we were all shocked. There weren't that many people living in Port Clinton, but that didn't stop them from coming. I was in the yard with my 10 year old son and 2 year old daughter when the first of the Biters reached our road. Jacoby saw them before I did.
"Mama, what's wrong with those people?" he asked, pointing at the pack of people stumbling along the dirt road.
"Shit," I muttered, scooping little Lucy into my arms. "Jake, go grab the shotgun," I commanded.
"But mama, dad said never to touch it!" he yelped.
"I'm telling you otherwise. Now!" I snapped. Jacoby ran into the house, our dog following at his heels. A moment later, Jake was back at my side, his father's hunting rifle in hand. He handed it to me carefully, as I handed him Lucy.
"Cover her ears," I commanded as I took aim. I had seen the news reports, and knew that a headshot was the only way to take them out. My husband, Lucas, was out on the lake with my father, fishing for the last time that season. I only prayed that the gunshot would call them home. "Mayhem, sit," I told the dog. She did instantly.
I took aim again, my hands steady, despite my pounding heart. There were only four of them – not enough to post any real threat. They were closing the distance at a slow, but steady rate. I took a deep breath, counted to ten, and fired. I hit the closest in the head with no problem, and to my surprise, the others just kept coming. I knew I wouldn't have time to reload the old gun.
"Inside, now!" I barked. Jake took off towards the house, Lucy in his arms. I backed away as quickly as possible, never letting the…the things out of my sight.
That was a little under a year ago. We had long since left the safety of our lakeside home. Jake, Lucy, Mayhem and I. We first fled for the CDC, as the radio said to, before lines went down. But there was nothing there. For the last few months, we've been wandering, barely getting by. Our van was stocked with food and clothing, old blankets, and guns, all from the various supply runs we've successfully managed. Jake was fast on his feet, and got in and out easily, but as of late, gas hasn't been an easy thing to get a hold of.
"There should be a prison up ahead a mile or two," Jake said, pointing to a small dot on the map.
"It's probably overrun," I sighed. Almost everywhere was.
"Maybe not," he argued.
"Anywhere else on the map?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the road.
"Mama, I'm hungry!" Lucy complained from her car seat.
"I know baby girl," I sighed. "We'll stop and make dinner soon."
"Can we try the prison?" Jake asked tiredly.
"I dunno," I admitted, "Even if it's not overrun, people might already be there…"
"That would be a good thing! The more people, the less a chance the Biters can get us!" Jake exclaimed.
"Okay," I agreed. I couldn't believe I was taking advice from my 11 year old son, but then again, Jake had his father's smarts. I followed the road, careful not the run over the broken glass.
The sun was setting as the prison came into sight. I looked around and saw Biters approaching the van. For the millionth time since the outbreak, I was grateful for the protection the old Chevy provided.
"Look!" Jake cried as he pointed ahead. I squinted against the bright glare of the sun, and saw what looked like a man, up on one of the lookout points.
"He looks normal!" Jake gasped.
"Just our luck," I grunted. Biters I could handle. Normal people? Not so much. The few we had come across since heading south proved to be a lot crueler than I remembered people being. They all only wanted one thing. Supplies.
I pressed down on the gas, running over several Biters in the process. I didn't stop until I was right up to the gate. I felt eyes watching me as I turned to Jake.
"I'm gonna have to get on the roof of the van, to try and get their attention," I said carefully, nodding at the skylight. "You're going to have to watch my back. If anything gets too close, shoot first, ask questions later, okay?"
"Yes ma'am," he nodded.
"And Lucy, you stay good and quiet okay? Keep Mayhem next to you, and don't let her make any noise, okay?" I told my young daughter.
"uh'kay mama!" she nodded.
"Remember, noise attracts 'em." With that, I popped the skylight and carefully hauled myself onto the roof of the Chevy, a large whiteboard in hand. I'd picked it up a few weeks after making a run for, and it's come in handy more than once. I quickly wrote a message on the board, my hands shaking like a leaf as the Biters chomped and scratched at the van.
Please let us through. Young children on board. WE HAVE SUPPLIES!
I could almost feel the eyes on me as I held the board as high as I could.
A few moments later, I lowered the board and added – Please. I have guns. And food, medical supplies, baby supplies, and blankets. A lot of blankets.
I knew from experience that nine times out of ten, bribing people with supplies was the only way to get through now a day. After what felt like a lifetime, I saw someone coming to the gate. I tossed the white board into the van, careful to avoid my daughter and dog, before sliding in myself.
"Are they gonna let us in?" Jake asked.
"Hopefully," I nodded. I backed the van up just enough to be able to turn in without rushing the gate. The man who opened it looked tired and well worn. He wielded a crossbow and a sharp knife. As soon as the gate was open, I pushed hard on the gas, clearing the fence in less than 3 seconds. Once I heard it close behind us, I turned the van off and turned to Lucy.
"Jake, I want you to get out and hold onto Luce okay? I know Mayhem's been dying to stretch her legs, so I'm gonna let her do just that. The worst she'll do is run on inside before I can stop her," I said as I unclipped Lucy's seatbelt.
"Okay," Jake said with a nod. He carefully switched the safety back on his gun, before sliding it into his pocket. I moved out of the way so he could get into the backseat with Lucy.
"Mind your manners now," I added as I opened the door, my own small, pistol in hand. I raised my hands cautiously, my eyes locked on the man's crossbow, which was aimed at my chest.
"Easy tiger," I chuckled. "Mind lowerin' that thing 'fore you scare my daughter?" I asked as soon as I heard Lucy's panicked gasp.
"Mama?" Lucy's innocent voice chimed.
"Jake, bring her here," I sighed, changing my mind. The man standing before us hadn't moved a muscle.
Jake handed Lucy to me, his eyes twitching from one side to another, catching every movement.
"Everything's just fine, Lucy Lou," I said softly. I turned to the man, a small smile on my face. "Right, sir?"
"Why are you here?" a voice came from behind. I felt Jake come up behind me, his back against mine. 10 months on the run left us both a better team than ever.
"I'll answer that, as soon as he lowers the crossbow," I said in a hushed tone. "Never turn your back to a gun…or crossbow, my daddy always said."
"Daryl, lower it," the man said. Daryl did so, but only after a moment of hesitation.
I turned slowly, Jake shifting with me, so he was now facing the crossbow wielding Daryl.
"My name's Kayy, and this is my daughter, Lucy, and my son, Jacoby," I said cautiously. "We're from up north. Right off Lake Erie."
"You're far from home," he grunted.
"Aye, but it's better here than it was up north," I admitted. "let's skip the small talk, shall we?"
"Again, I ask, why are you here?" the man asked, his eyes practically piercing me.
"The road's nowhere for a 3 year old to grow up. Not with Biters and horrible humans around. I can't keep her safe from both, not alone. I can give you guns, ammo, food, anything you need or want, in return for a roof over our heads and someone else willing to watch our backs. In return, we'll do the same. I can do anything from supply runs, to dressing wounds, mending clothes, just 'bout anything. And Jake's got a good eye. He's better than most hunters I know," I took a deep breath, hugging Lucy close to my body. She snuggled into my hair, her body shaking against the cool evening breeze.
"Mayhem, get over here," Jake hissed. Carefully, I turned to see the old shepherd mix inching towards Daryl, her ears perked.
"No," the other man said suddenly. "No. We don't bring in outsiders,"
"Rick, she's a young mother with two kids," an older man said, as he approached. As he drew closer, I noticed that he was missing a leg. He walked on the crutches as if they were the easiest thing in the world.
"Hershel, back off," Rick said.
"Rick, listen," I said cautiously. "Give us a chance. I'll hand over all the guns 'sept the two me an' Jake need. I'll get our supplies myself. We'll be more a help than hindrance," I said.
"No, end of story. He said, turning to walk away.
"Rick," Daryl said. I glanced over my shoulder, and saw the gruff, tired man kneeling next to Mayhem, scratching her ears softly. "Maybe it won't be such a bad idea to give 'em a chance."
Rick stopped to consider it for what seemed like a lifetime, as the sun set against the treetops. I felt as if bargaining with this man would prove to be one of the hardest tasks of my life. With Lucy tucked in my arms, Jake at my back, and Mayhem making quick friends with the strangers, I wasn't sure how it would all work out. But in my heart of hearts, I knew it would have to work.
A/n- Disclaimer, obviously, I don't own TWD or any of it's characters. ;)
The Outbreak takes place after the season 3 finale, and does not follow any real cannon, except for cannon pairings. :) Rates and Reviews are always welcomed, and any and all feed back is greatly appreciated.