The World of the Walking Dead
Disclaimer: I do not own AMC's 'The Walking Dead'. If I did, Herschel would have been shown the respect he deserved from everybody he allowed on that farm.
"Hello Mr Greene, I'm Zero. It's a pleasure to meet you sir."
The group had arrived at the farm, according to Daryl, at about half past 8 that morning.
Herschel shook hands with the young woman, impressed with her manners.
"Thank you. I really don't know have the words to express my gratitude towards you and your family. What you've done is nothing short of a miracle. I also apologise for Lori's words earlier. There's no excuse, despite the amount of stress and concern she's under, for her to have lashed out at you."
He eyed her for a moment and upon seeing the sincerity in her eyes, nodded his head in acknowledgment.
"I also wish to express to you my condolences. Otis, despite not having known him personally, has my utmost respect. If you need any help around the farm, I owned a small menagerie back home and will be more than willing to help you."
She wanted to make a good impression upon the old farmer. Having watched the series, she was quite disgusted with the behaviour of almost every single person in camp. Even Rick and Daryl, though they actually respected Herschel's authority to a greater extent. She promised to herself that she'd be as useful as possible when it came to the farm and its inhabitants.
"Well thank you Miss Zero. That's awful kind of you. Those folk from yesterday weren't exactly the kindest people I've ever met. Though they did have more pressing matters to deal with."
"You have nothing to thank me for sir. I was raised to show respect to all. You most certainly deserve to be shown respect. If ever you'd rather the group, or even just me, gone, say the word and I'll clear out quick smart. This is your farm. I won't take your hospitality for granted sir."
He was very impressed. It seemed that some people had actually raised their children correctly. What a fine young woman, he thought, but let's see if she'll keep her word.
"If that is the case, the chickens are to be let out and fed at 4 in the morning, as the rooster crows. We got quite a lot of them. The pigs get fed at 7, the cows are moved to the large paddock and the horses need their hay by half past."
"Yes sir. No problem whatsoever." Zero said in confirmation. "Uh, sir? Do you think I'd be able to learn how to milk the cows and prepare it for drinking and what not?"
At this, Herschel smiled down at her. He was going to like this woman, no doubt about it.
''
Shane had been wondering around the farm. He was quiet, different; a changed man and there was no returning from this. At least Zero didn't think so. The defining moment, Otis' death, had come to pass the afternoon before. There may have been hope for Shane before that occurred but now that he'd killed a man? No.
"Hey, Walsh!" She called out to him, running along to catch up to the man. "You alright Officer?"
Shane turned to her, his face impassive. He then forced a small smile that truthfully looked like a rather painful grimace.
"Yeah, I'm okay. What did you want?"
Hmmm, rather blunt she thought.
"You've been quiet lately Walsh. Honestly, I'm starting to worry about you. I know we've had our downs lately, a lot of them, but that doesn't mean I hate you, or that I don't forgive you," even though I don't, she thought, "because I do. We all have our bad days and I guess, that in this new world, there are gonna be more bad days than usual."
Shane had turned fully to Zee now, all attention on her. He had missed his Little One. He still couldn't believe he had tried to force himself on Lori let alone that he then punched Zero of all people.
He wasn't sure what to do anymore. He'd been so confused lately, so lonely. Lori had dumped him on the curb the instant Rick appeared, like he was nothing but last week's trash. He had to watch on, pretending nothing had happened between himself and his best friend's wife, as she played happy families. Though that ain't entirely true, thinking about his Little One and her interactions with Rick, that had always been a problem with Lori; one which further drove a wedge into the Grimes' already unstable marriage. However, every now and again Rick would do something, say something that should only be said with your one and only and Shane couldn't help but view it as such, though he did believe Rick and Zero to share nothing more than a strong platonic bond. It had happened quite a lot at the station, but many people assumed that Rick and Zero were a married couple. They worked so well together, flawlessly. It really was easy to make that mistake. They were close; very close.
But the fact still remained that Rick was undeniably faithful to Lori. Always had been, always would be and at this moment in time Shane was missing what he had at the beginning of this apocalypse. He felt guilty as fuck for everything that'd happened but couldn't bring himself to properly regret it. He knew he'd do the same thing again if he had the chance. He looked down at Zee.
"I'm sorry." He said in a hushed voice. "I'm so sorry, Little One. I….I…."
Zero smiled sadly at Shane.
"Come here you big oaf. You know you were already forgiven. I'm sorry too Shane."
She hugged the man who would slowly spiral into a pit of despair and hatred, knowing that this may be the last time she saw talked to the true Shane Walsh.
"I missed you Little One."
''
Zee woke up before the rooster crowed and she couldn't wait to start the day. She loved animals. They were calming, innocent and very true in everything they did. If they didn't like you, you would know. They'd bloody well let you know.
She made her way up to the old brown barn, not even attempting to go anywhere near the barn down by the tree line.
"Here chickadee's. Come and eat, you funky little things."
She watched on as the hens and rooster scratched the floor, scattering dirt and feed everywhere and laughed at the sight. This brought back fond memories of home. She watched on for an hour, perfectly content just sitting there.
When she was brought out of her trance like state, she caught sight of Daryl leaving and frantically waved and saluted the hunter as he walked into the woods.
Having nothing else to do until the sun had properly risen, Zee took it upon herself to check out the veggie garden. She watered the plants before the Georgia sun decided to try and wilt everything and pottered about, joining T-Dog up on the RV.
"Hey Zee, how ya doin' girl?"
"Feeling fine my brother! Good night's sleep, T?"
"Best sleep in a while actually. I know it may sound horrible, but I can't help thinking that we'd never have gotten here had it not been for Carl getting shot, you know?"
"Yeah, I hear you T. You're not the only one who's thinking that. Don't feel guilty. Carl's a tough boy, just like his father. He's going to be fine."
She looked around at all the tents.
"You haven't seen Rick up and about anywhere this morning, have you?"
"It's only, what, 6 in the morning kid. I haven't seen anyone up yet. Not even Dale."
"Wow. I beat the old man."
"What were you doin' just before?"
"Feedin' chickens. I wanna help out while we're here."
He smiled at Zee. 'Course Zee would be doing farm chores. Kid just couldn't help herself when it came to helping others. He ruffled her hair fondly.
"I think the Greene's might be up though."
"Okay then. See ya, T. I'll go check on Officer Friendly. I'll make breakfast at 8, if everyone's up by then."
''
She'd gone into the Greene's house and found Herschel in his study.
"Good morning sir. Sorry to intrude. The chickens have been fed and I did a bit of gardening so Patricia can rest this morning. It's all taken care of. How are you this morning?"
Herschel wouldn't lie. He'd been expecting to have his girls running around off schedule to clean up after Zero when he learned she'd broken her word. Yet here she was, having already done what she'd said to at this time of the morning, even doing extra.
"I'm mighty fine this morning Zero, thanks for asking. You didn't have to do any more than what I asked of you, though."
"I have enough time sir. It was no problem at all. Besides, Patricia helped you with Carl. She deserves some respite from the drama this group has brought upon you. Speaking of which, how is Carl?"
"He is in a relatively stable condition. I thought we'd lose him, but he's a tough little boy."
"Do you know if Rick or Lori is awake at the moment?"
"I do believe Mr Grimes is awake. I'll come upstairs with you. I need to check on the boy now anyway."
With that, the two made their way up, being mindful of the fact that Lori, Beth and Maggie were still sleeping.
Rick's head snapped up at the sound of the door creaking open. He stood up and clapped Herschel on the back, thanking him again and again for what he'd done the previous day. As Herschel went to Carl's bedside to check him, Rick noticed Zero peek around the door frame and give him a small wave. He went to her and pulled her into the room and straight into his arms.
"He's alright Rick. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, yes? He's your boy Officer Friendly. He's alive, Rick. He's alive." Zero comforted him, rubbing circles on his back and trying to calm down the still wound up father.
He held onto Zee for dear life, slowly calming down at her soothing words and comforting gestures.
"I…I thought he….and when I saw the blood…..He almost died. I almost lost him."
"But you didn't and you won't. He'll need you when he wakes up Rick. He'll need you to be strong. Lori will need you to be strong, okay. So dry those eyes, darling, 'cause everything is alright. You have a brilliant doctor looking after your boy. He's in perfectly capable hands."
Herschel couldn't help but look over and watch the two: Rick had hunched over to accommodate to Zero's height and looked instantly better the second her arms were around him. Zero was speaking to him, her voice soft and understanding and actually managed to get Rick to smile, if only for a single moment.
He wasn't too sure what was going on here. He could have sworn the other woman, Lori wasn't it, introduced herself as Ricks' wife but he must have misheard. He didn't think Zero looked as if she'd have a 10 year old child. Rick was definitely the father, perhaps Carl was from a previous marriage. That would explain Lori.
He smiled as he watched the couple, thankful that Rick would finally get some form of rest now that he was reunited with Zero and his son was okay.
"Mr Greene? How's he doing?"
"Absolutely fine. I can't tell you when he'll wake but it won't be today." He looked at Rick as he continued. "I'd like for you to go and get some sleep. Some proper sleep. Zero, be a dear and make sure he does, alright?"
"Sir, yes, sir! I'd have done it anyway." She smiled and went to lead Rick to the camp when Herschel spoke up again.
"You can take my bed for the moment. First door to the left of the stairs."
"Thank you."
''
Everyone was well rested and full up. Zee made sure to offer the Greene's and company breakfast, which they gladly accepted, and saved a plate for Daryl. Patricia had been instructing Zero on the basics of first aid, helping her by demonstrating how to make splints, appropriate tourniquets and the like for emergency situations as Maggie and Beth played injured victims.
The three women welcomed Zero with open arms, all of them enjoying the company of another female, and one who wasn't afraid to do the dirty work out on the farm. Zero was glad for their company too. Patricia was like the mother hen of this little farming family, Maggie reminded her of a close friend from home and Beth was, in personality, a splitting image of her younger sister. It felt like home and Zero knew she had to ensure that the herd of walkers would not come near.
''
"Herschel. You can call me Herschel, dear. You've certainly proven yourself over the last 2 days. I confess, I didn't think you'd be fulfilling your word but you have. You've done a good job at it too."
Zero looked to the ground and shifted her weight to her left foot, slightly uncomfortable with the praise.
"I said I'd help out, Herschel. We're on your land, taking up space on your farm and intruding on your family. It's the least I could do."
"Zero, dear, how good are you at keeping secrets?"
Zero raised an eyebrow as she met Herschel's eyes. He's going to tell me about the barn, isn't he?
"You've not heard one personal thing about one of my company since we got here, so I'd say pretty good. So long as you tell me that it's a secret, it shall remain just that."
He nodded his head. This would be a defining moment, in his eyes, as to whether or not this group would be here for any longer than necessary. If one of them understood what he had been doing from the beginning of this outbreak, they could convince the others if word ever got out.
"This disease, I believe there is a cure. I know that there has to be. Humanity has overcome many a thing. God may be trialling us, and I know that if I keep my faith alive, He'll bless someone with the knowledge and tools to create a cure." He watched the figure in front of him intently. "What I tell you now must not be shared with anyone. Do you understand?" She nodded and he continued. "Good."
''
Daryl returned early evening with many a rabbit and a couple of squirrels.
"That herd of walkers must've scared off the big game. Fuckin' stupid dead people. Can't do anythin' right even in death. Stay fuckin' dead." He mumbled to himself as he got ready to fix up the meat. "Oi! Shortstuff! Get ya ass over here and help, will ya! Ain't doin' it by myself." He smiled a little to himself as she raced over to him, eager to help out as she always was.
"Good hunt? Any of the big boys come out to play a little hide and seek with the hunter?" She questioned playfully.
Daryl sent her a look that just screamed 'don't even get me started' and she laughed at him.
"What 'ave you been up to while I was gettin' your dinner?"
"Playing farmer. Herschel had a talk with me. Interesting stuff." She smirked and watched Daryl out of the corner of her eyes. Yes, he's curious.
"And?"
"And it was interesting."
"Fuckin' don't play, Shorts. What did he say?"
"This doesn't get to anyone, 'right? Herschel trusts my judgement so I'm allowed to tell you. Yes, I did just say 'allowed' so don't look at me like that. It's his farm, you're constantly saying that to everybody as well, so continue to think that, 'kay?"
What could possibly have been so damn important that Shortstuff actually looked a little disturbed.
"That red barn down there, you know, the 'Banned Barn'? It's full of the Greene's walker family and friends."
He was not expecting that. He looked down towards the barn, which wasn't all too far away from where the two were currently gutting rabbits.
"Ya mean to tell me, that in that barn right there, are what? A fuckin' hoard of walkers?"
"Yes."
"What the fuck?! Why are they there?! He tryin' to fuckin' collect 'em all. They ain't no fuckin' colletables. What's he thinkin?"
"He thinks there's a cure. He thinks he can save them. I know it's stupid and ridiculous and everything else but it's what he believes. You know that there is a possible cure, you read through the folder."
"Yeah, but that ain't a cure for people who are already fuckin' dead, Shorts. That's for every fuckin' other person who still has a beating fuckin' heart."
"I know Dare, but they haven't hurt anyone. They keep them well fed. They're decomposing at a higher than average rate so they'll perish soon enough. They aren't strong enough to get through that barn. No way."
"'Kay. How in the fuck do ya know it's strong enough to hold 'em?"
She looked away, trying not to seem too suspicious but she knew that Daryl would know right away.
"You fuckin' went to the barn? Even though you knew what was in there?! For fuck's sake Shortstuff," He let out a harsh breath, trying to reign in the anger, "you trying to get yourself killed?"
"Of course not! I had to check it. Make sure it really was secure. I needed to make sure Herschel was right about it being safe."
"That's fuckin' it. You're not to go anywhere…You listenin' to me, Shorts?" He stopped what he was doing, placing everything down. He then grabbed Zero by her shoulders, standing her upright and bent down so he was at eye level with her, looking her directly in the eyes, chin in hand so she would listen and watch everything he said. "Ya not to go near that barn again, clear? In fact, ya know what Shortstuff, I don't fuckin' care if those walkers were in a fuckin' fortress! I ain't lettin' ya risk ya life. You're comin' with me to hunt from now on and I ain't gonna hear another word from ya 'bout those walkers. I ain't gonna tell nobody but I needa make sure your safe."
''
Authors Note: Yes, yes I know. I'm not good with the whole 'writing in character of the character' thing. I know Daryl's vocabulary and pronunciations aren't 100% true to his character but there is only so much misspelling that I can allow myself to do. You may have noticed that I tend to write in a very pish-posh British way, for lack of a better description.
I'm almost finished writing Chapter 10 so I might have that up by tonight as well. Thanks for reading and I hope that you enjoyed!
