Sokol848- Yes Billy and Molly took a bigger step towards becoming a pair and some good thoughts on who should and shouldn't be brought on the scavenging run!
Midnightrebellion86- I don't believe Rick would ever hurt the child obviously, but it is a fair thought that Lori may fear him or worse yet that knowing it's Shane would kill Rick.
ReviwerDWJ- For the moments things are settled but as we all know peace never lasts in the walking dead
Gooffy- I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
Whitetiger789- Thanks, hope you like this one!
SuperSonicHeros- First I'd totally recommend you get an account because I'd love your input on polls as they come! Second, I agree in the comics the people of Woodbury are very different from the television as they are much more complicit in the actions of Oberson and The Governor.
Gracie Miserables- Duck and Clementine as a couple could be a very big possibility, of course that would mean that Duck survives the store for a while. Also, I felt that Lee and Carley getting married was a natural progression for sure in this storyline.
Blaszczu2500- The future of the story with Lilly will be shown later on as I intend to do one or two chapters taking place solely in Woodbury with just them, showing what they went through after our heroes escaped. So Carley vs. Lilly may or may not happen.
Rodan1920- Alright to rank my walking dead villains most dangerous to least it would go, The Governor, Negan, /Cannibals from comics, Carver, Beta, then lastly Alpha. While the whisperers were cool they just didn't seem to hold much threat after their surprise attacks.
Citrusbird386- Thanks for such a large, in depth review! So first, as you and others saw, Duck's view on the walkers is getting a little warped to be true, but I am not going to confirm or deny if he is heading down a dark path like Lizzie/Billy. Though I'm glad to see that you think it works well here. Also, yes, I have huge plans for Lilly that don't involve just a quick, shooting a beloved character then disappearing for years, so no worries. Hope you like this chapter as well!
Don 77- No worries pal, just glad you liked the chapter and are around for the next ones!
Thedarkpokemaster- Yes I'm trying to show how Molly and Sophia are easing into a mother daughter, or sister like relationship as I feel like the two actually need each other more than they know.
Marionastalczyk09102000- Glad to see a new reader and I hope you'll continue to stick around! As for the post prison arc, I have a loose plan on every enemy group up to Negan in the comics and enemies from the first season of telltale. Obviously a lot of them are going to need to be changed slightly and I also plan to change outcomes from canon so no one can expect what happens.
Enjoy, Also based on votes our group will be Martinez, Mark, Axel, Tyreese, Lee, Molly, Billy, And Andrea! Thanks to everyone who voted and more polls to come!
Chapter 29: Getting A Clue
"Well, for starters I'd be going, no questions," Tyreese firmly stated, "And no before you guys ask, you aren't coming." Tyreese hardly added on while glaring at Dale, Rick, and Kenny,
"The hell?" Kenny frowned back,
"Listen, your families need you, your kids need their fathers here from more than a week at a time! Not to mention you're both maimed, going out there is only asking for trouble and I won't allow it. And Dale...you're just too old man," Tyreese explained, causing Dale to reluctantly nod his head, "It's harsh but, you'd be a liability, you know?"
"I get it, stop before you start offending," Dale said while holding up his hand and giving the athlete a short half laugh,
"Sorry," Tyreese chuckled back,
"Fine, it's not worth arguing over but you've already taken us three off the table so who is that leaving?" Rick asked with a raised brow,
Tyreese looked over to Lee expectantly, "Hell...shoulda seen that one coming," Lee sighed back,
"Come on man, you've been out at that town, and you made it back fine, I'd appreciate the support from someone whose been in the shit, besides, I trust you," Tyreese added on, "And I'm sure whoever else comes with us would feel safer with the both of us,"
Lee hung his head, rubbing the back of his neck while he thought for a few moments, "Carley and Clem are gonna give me hell for this but...I'm in, it's gotta get done,"
"Exactly, they'll have to understand," Tyreese smiled back,
"Okay you and Lee, ain't much of a team, who else?" Kenny interjected,
"Look, off the top of my head, I'm not sure yet but I'll spread the word and I'll try and the best six people for this task I can," Tyreese replied causing the others to murmur in agreement,
"Right, I'll start getting Dale's RV ready in the meantime, think we'll be ready to go in an hour or so?" Lee asked as he attempted to head out of the armory,
"Hold your horses there son," Dale chuckled,
"Dale, we're gonna take good care of it, don't worry," Lee smirked in response,
"Don't think that's what he was talking about pal," Kenny said while crossing his arms and raising his brow to his friend,
"Huh?" Lee hummed back in confusion,
"Lee it's been a week already," Rick reminded the man,
Tyreese walked over and planted his large hand on Lee's shoulder, "You're getting married bud," The athlete chuckled causing Lee's eyes to go a bit wide,
"Shit, with all the work we've been doing this week I completely forgot we set it for this day," Lee quickly replied while running a hand through his hair,
"Don't worry, Carley didn't," Rick lightly laughed, "I heard her asking Hershel if he'd lead the ceremony after the movie, so that gives you an hour to get yourself ready,"
"Christ, alright, thanks guys, I gotta go...hell, I'm about to be late for my own wedding," Lee muttered out before rushing out of the armory and back towards his cell.
The former professor sprinted towards his cell as quickly as he could, he needed to trim up a little at his mirror, change into a fresh jumpsuit, and grab the vows he had written over the last few days all in under an hour. As Lee turned the corner into the cell block his jog slowed to a halt as he saw Chuck and Axel posted up by his cell, "There he is," Chuck said to Axel while tumbing over to Lee,
"About damn time, was starting to think you were getting cold feet, you follow me?" Axel laughed out as Lee approached,
"Guys, what's going on?" Lee asked the pair in confusion,
"Well hell son, Axel and I got you a little something for your big day," Chuck replied as he put a hand on Lee's back and led him into his cell, "Took us a few days of fumbling in the dark with a few flashlights, hopefully it'll be worth it though,"
"Damn guys, you didn't have to do that," Lee smiled back,
"Don't worry about it, ain't cost us a dime," Axel said with a hearty laugh while picking up a plastic bag and handing it over to Lee.
The convict picked up the bag and opened it open, his eyes widened as he saw the set of clothing her first wore when entering the prison all those months prior, along with his wallet, and wrist watch. "Holy shit," Lee softly said while reaching in and grabbing his watch and quickly putting it on, "You guys went to find my stuff?"
"It was a hell of a mess and weren't an easy task, but Axel and I figured, if you weren't gonna be in a tux for the wedding, we'd at least get you outta that jumpsuit for the day," Chuck explained with a warm tone,
"Yeah, heard Carley was doing something similar and thought, hell, no need for you to be looking like a con, you follow me?" Axel added on,
"Guys, I don't know what to say, thank you," Lee wholeheartedly told the two older men,
"Course," Chuck easily replied, "Real happy for you son,"
"Same here, though don't ever, ever," Axel sternly stated while placing his hands on Lee's shoulder, "Go let another woman sit on the back of your bike, my ex-wife saw me do that once and...pfft, you follow me, right?" Axle asked causing both Chuck and Lee to lightly laugh back,
"Yeah, gotcha Axel," Lee replied causing Axel to smile and give him a pat on the arm,
"Good, we're gonna head on down to the cafeteria, set up some sort of aisle for y'all ," Axel said while he and Chuck headed out of the cell leaving Lee to get ready in peace.
Close to an hour later the survivors had all gathered in the cafeteria, from the door to the other side of the room ran a long open aisle and on either side were still a few tables set up for the others. In the center of the far side of the room stood Hershel, an open bible sat in his hands and in front of him were Lee and Carley, both dressed the best though could be, mainly out of jumpsuits.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but have not love, I am only a resounding going or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and my faith can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to the poor and cast my body into the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking. It is not angered easily, it keeps no record of wrongs, love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always preserves." Hershel solemnly stated before looking between Lee and Carly, "These two have created their own vows which they shall say now,"
Lee took a slow breath and turned to Carly, "Carly, I have made plenty of mistakes in my life, done things I regret and things I'm not proud of. When I first got here, I accepted that I was here to be punished but eventually my crime would be forgiven...by the rest of the world. I knew I wasn't ever going to be able to forgive myself...until I met you. You looked at me with eyes of understanding and warmth I had thought I'd never see again. You spoke to me with such softness and care that I thought I might be able to move forward and when you said you loved me...I knew I could. I promise to return this faith you had in me back to you tenfold, and for the rest of my days to be the kind of husband I know I can be." Lee wholeheartedly stated,
Carly let out a soft sniffle and wiped her eye quickly, "Lee, in my life I went through so much pain and destruction. I reported in warzones, in the middle of riots, and every time I brought with me the fear of this world. When everything happened I didn't feel all that scared, the sensation was all too familiar to me. But after I met you, things changed, I learned that there is some hope in the world and that I didn't know what fear was. Fear was wondering if I'd ever see you again so I could tell you I love you. I'll never have to be afraid again now, because with this ring, we'll both always know." Carley explained with a few sniffles,
"Lee, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" Hershel softly asked,
"I do," Lee smiled,
"Carley, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" Hershel in turn asked Carley,
"I do," Carley replied with no hesitation,
"Then by the powers vested to me by the unusual circumstances we find us living in, I happily pronounce you both man and wife," Hershel lightheartedly stated while looking to Lee, "You may kiss the bride," Lee without a moment's thought leaned forward and pressed his lips to Carley's while their friends behind them all clapped and cheered happily.
A few hours later Chuck and Axel were standing next to Dale's RV, the door was open and the pair were handing cans of food to Mark who was filling all the cabinets. "A few more and we'll be stocked to the brim, that should at least give us two weeks worth of food if we ration it correctly," Mark called out to the duo,
"Either you guys think that's a little excessive?" Axel asked while scratching his head,
"Better to be safe than sorry, don't need ya going belly up out there," Chuck replied to his friend,
Just then both Dale and Andrea approached with the final box of canned food, "Exactly we're being prepared, we have no idea how long this trip will take us,"
"I still think I should be coming," Dale muttered out,
"I know hun but you need to stay here and watch the twins, I don't want us both going and thinking we just left them. Not after they lost both their parents...and I sure as hell am not letting them come with us. Besides Tyreese can drive, and they need the best sharp shooter here to protect them," Andrea said with a bit of confidence,
"Sure sure, I still don't have to like it though," Dale mumbled back,
"I'm gonna be fine, don't worry," Andrea calmly told the man,
A few moments later Tyreese and Martinez came walking out of the garage, heading towards the vehicle with a few cans of gas, "Listen I get the situation man, I do, but I seriously don't have a clue where this place is at. Best I can do is point us north and try to remember how far the ride was and if something looks familiar," Martinez explained, his tone almost worried as he couldn't give a clear answer,
"Then that's good enough for us, we are planning on having to hunt this place down, but anything you can give to help will be enough," Tyreese easily replied, "Besides, after what you did in clearing this place out, I already feel safer having you with us,"
Martinez let out a short chuckle, "Well, I'm just glad you guys trust me enough to bring me along...just don't shoot me in the back, huh?"
"Don't worry about it," Tyreese said with a small shake of his head and pat on Martinez's back, "Alright who's here already?" Tyreese asked causing Andrea and Axel to look over and nod then a moment later Mark to peek his head out of the door. "Alright that's five of us, Lee said he was gonna be here in a minute,"
"He's right over there actually," Mark said while pointing further up the yard where Lee and Carley both were walking, the former sporting a riot suit once more,
"Are you sure about this?" Lee asked his wife with a slight amount of concern, "I can easily tell them I changed his mind and stay here,"
"Tempting," Carley sweetly replied before sighing, "But no, they need your help and you doing this will keep me and Clementine safer than anything else. I don't like it, but I know it's something that you have to do,"
"Sucks being needed," Lee joked, "Though gotta admit I feel better that I can be there to keep an eye on everyone, especially Axel, first time I left these fences I almost got bit,"
"Next time, don't tell me that, huh?" Carley merely replied with a little side eye, "And you better come back too, I'm not missing out on my honeymoon, hear me?"
Lee let out a warm laugh, "Of course, wouldn't dream of letting you down on that front,"
"Good," Carely finished as they reached the rv, "He's all yours, bring him back in one, unbit, piece,"
"Will do," Tyreese nodded back,
"Who else are we waiting on?" Martinez asked,
"Well, Billy had offered to come, and since he was showing how much of a good shot he was I agreed but I don't know if he-" Tyreese began to explain only to be interrupted by the sound of Hershel yelling,
"William Greene, I forbid this!" The old farmers voice boomed out,
"You can't stop me, dad!" Billy shot back, the teenager readjusting the loose fitting riot gear on his chest, "This needs to get done for all of us, and I'm not going to just sit around while everyone else continues to risk their life. Think about Glenn!" He shot back,
"Exactly, think of Glenn! That poor boy was murdered by those people only a few weeks ago and now you are walking out there to meet them?!" Hershel screamed out, "You're being a damn fool, you aren't going!"
"I am!" Billy snapped back before stopping taking a few sharp breaths, "Listen, Maggie needs you here, she needs you to watch over her but the rest of us, we need guns to be safe. We need protection and I can help them get it, I need to be useful...I need to grow up!"
"Billy…" Hershel lowly said while pursing his lips before sharply exhaling, "You keep that suit on and come back safe, and then you and I will talk about your future,"
"I will dad," Billy promised as he pulled the man into a hug, "Tell Maggie I love her, alright?"
"Of course, be safe...be safe," Hershel softly stated while placing a hand on the back of his son's head, holding a hard gaze for a moment before turning to leave.
Billy watched his father as he walked off for a long moment, a bit of fear forming in his stomach as he realized he really was about to leave and join the others on this endeavor. The teen calmed himself and turned around only to nearly fall down as he came face to face with Molly, "Holy shit!"
"What are you doing?" The blonde asked with a raised brow,
Billy cleared his throat and readjusted himself, "Helping out, I'm surprised you're still hear, thought you said you were leaving last week," He asked back as he crossed his arms,
"I thought about it, realized it was the smart choice," Molly admitted, "Then I realized what I wanted was to stay," She added on with a short shrug,
Billy's eyes slightly widened, "W-what changed your mind?"
"That girl, Sophia...she begged me to stay, I don't know, I guess I have a soft spot for the kid. Been hanging out with her for the last few days too, she's a cool girl," Molly smirked,
"Oh...well nice, Sophia needs a friend," Billy mumbled while attempting to step past the woman,
"And," Molly continued while putting a hand on his shoulder, "I thought about our little time together, amd it's possible I was thinking about us doing it again,"
"R-Really?" Billy gulped back,
"Yeah, but if you're going out some some damn suicide mission, then I guess I gotta go too," Molly sarcasically sighed, "Someone has to take care of your dumbass,"
"Oh ha ha," Billy shot back as the pair began to walk towards the rv, "I'll have you know that Tyreese asked me to come specifically thanks to my skill with a rifle,"
"Good you can shoot them from really, really, far away and I'll do the hard work of protecting us from the ones who actually get close," Molly almost snorted back just as they reached the others, "Reporting for duty," The blonde woman dryly stated Tyreese,
"You're coming?" Tyreese asked back,
"Lest you forget hasbeen, I was surviving out there for months searching building and taking the geeks down with Michonne, you need me," Molly shot back,
"Aren't you a bundle of fun," Mark joked out,
"You better believe it glasses," Molly retorted while pushing past Tyreese and hoping into the rv,
Tyreese looked over to Lee with a frown, "Hey, you said we should have eight," The professor merely shrugged back before turning, hugging carley and then jumping into the Rv.
"Hell with it, let's load up!" Tyreese called out.
Chuck gave Axel a pat on the shoulder, Dale gave Andrea a kiss and a quick embrace and Tyreese ven caught sight of Michonne further up the yard watching him before giving a short wave goodbye. The athlete got into the driver seat with Martinez next to him and started the vehicle. Carley, Dale, and Axel pulled up the front gate and the group pulled out of the prison courtyard, knowing it may be a while before they returned.
"Can't believe I'm doing this again," Lee muttered under his breath,
"It smells like ass in here," Molly added in disgust.
Days came and went as the group traveled up and down the streets near Woodbury, Martinez and Lee were adamant on making sure that they didn't get too close to town, lest they run into Oberson and his crew. That being said, four days later, the eight survivors were nearly certain they went up and down almost every road and back road in the county and still to no avail. Early on the fifth day, just as the sun was starting to peak over the horizon Andrea felt her nose twitch and when her eyes opened she only saw Tyreese's dirty sock and foot in her face.
"Agh! Ew! Ew! Ew!" Andrea screamed out while jumping up, "Ugh, now I remember why I hated living in this damn thing,"
"Tell me about it," Martinez muttered out from the passenger seat, his boots kicked up on the front dash, "Damn near makes me miss Woodbury…"
"Uh," Billy hummed out nervously,
"Nearly, kid," Martinez lazily reminded while holding up one finger before crossing his arms once more, attempting to fall asleep,
Just then the RV door opened and Axel stepped inside, the prisoner held tired eyes from his night watch, "Since one ya is awake now, mind taking over for me so I can catch a few winks, I'm beat, you follow me?"
"Yeah, no problem," Andrea quickly agreed and ran out of the RV,
"I think I'm gonna go too, I need some fresh air," Billy added while standing up,
"I'll be happy when you're both gone," Molly snapped out in a grouchy tone as she laid her arm over her eyes,
"Touchy," Martinez lightly laughed from the front.
Just outside the rv, Andrea took a few gulps from her canteen and glanced over to Billy who was carefully going over his rifle, cleaning it and adjusting the sight while sitting on a nearby rock. "You've been doing that every day since we left the prison," Andrea said with a smirk,
"I know, Doug actually found a few manuels in the armory about regular gun safety and cleaning. When we got trapped inside I read them over and I don't know, I've just been taking this really seriously. Being a good shot is important but having the right weapon matters too right?" Billy replied with a grin,
"I guess I never gave it that much thought," Andrea admitted, "But I'll admit you've definitely got skill with it, Carely was the second best shot before you,"
"Second best?" Billy asked with a raised brow,
"Heh, you're good kid, but I'm still better," Andrea smugly replied,
"We'll see about that, I remember our contest in the tower, I had you," Billy fired back,
"Uh huh, sure Billy," Andrea said with a smirk which Billy shared.
Just then Tyreese stepped out of the RV, "Awake already Tye?" Billy asked as he reloaded his rifle and stood up,
"Axel woke me up while laying down, it's no big deal, I didn't sleep that well anyway, I don't think anyone did," Tyreese replied,
"Tell me about it, Molly gets fucking cranky," The teen joked,
"Oh did she have someone else's feet shoved in her face too?" Andrea asked while glaring to Tyreese,
"Oh shit did I do that? I'm sorry," Tyreese quickly apologized, "I'll keep my shoes on tonight,"
"Bite your tongue, we are finding this place today, I am done with the RV," Andrea sharply retorted,
"Yeah, I know Martinez and Lee don't like it but we gotta move closer towards Woodbury, we're too far in the outskirts," Tyreese noted,
"Walkers," Billy suddenly said while pulling the rifle off his shoulder, the teen took aim and with a smooth pull of the trigger sent a rifle round right through one of the two appraoching walkers heads.
"Nice shot," Tyreese smirked, "Uh, Andrea, think I could?"
Andrea let out a quick nod, "Sure, just put the butt of the rifle against your shoulder there," The woman quickly explained as she helped the man set himself up, "And then just pull the trigger nice and easy, don't jerk it,"
Tyreese gripped the rifle tight and pulled the trigger sending a round right through the walkers shoulder, "Ooh no dice," Billy joked,
"Damn, I don't know what it is but I can hit shit with guns," Tyreese sighed,
"Don't sweat it, but in the interest of saving ammo, let me," Andrea said while taking the rifle and quickly taking the walker down. "When we get back to the prison today, we're gonna set up a little training school, we need everyone able to shoot to take down walkers...or worse and soon,"
"Oh no, please twenty minutes was just fine, thank you!" Axel called out from the RV,
"Shit, sorry," Andrea apologized to the man while he yawned and rubbed his eyes, "Everyone awake now?"
"Martinez's been up apparently, guy doesn't sleep well outside I guess. Those shots woke Me, Lee, and Mark, Molly just grunted and is trying to go back to bed," Axel explained,
"We'll we should wake her up, we gotta get moving," Tyreese replied, "Sooner we're on the road the better," He finished as he lead the three back into the RV,
"Morning guys," Mark murmured out while scratching the back of his head, "Eventful day so far?"
"A few walkers, nothing crazy," Billy replied,
"Fun times," Mark chuckled back with a yawn,
"Ready to get moving?" Andrea asked Lee with a smile,
"Ready to get home, so yeah. Molly you ready?" Lee quickly asked,
"Shut. Up." Molly grunted back,
"Sounded like a yes to me," Mark smiled while Tyreese turn the Rv on and started to drive up the road, this time closing in on Woodbury.
A few hours passed by as Tyreese followed the few road signs towards town only for Lee and Martinez both to shout out at once, "Stop!"
Tyreese slammed hard on the breaks and looked over to the pair who were jostled up by the front console, "What the hells wrong guys?" Tyreese quickly asked,
"That Save-Lots, we passed it just before we hit the Woodbury gates!" Lee quickly explained,
"Are you sure?" Tyreese asked back,
"He's right, were a damn stones throw away, three for blocks at most," Martinez quickly confirmed,
"Easy guys, we can still look around here safely," Mark interjected,
"Hell we can, Oberson could be around any corner," Martinez shot back,
"We need to find this station so we gotta keep moving," Tyreese argued,
As the four bickered Axel got to his feet, "Where are you going?" Molly asked,
"Taking a piss, this is gonna be a few," The man joked back while walking outside,
"We should circle back, search a few miles outside of this town as a whole," Martinez argued,
"We tried that for the last four days," Mark reminded the man,
"Well it ain't in town, I know that!" Martinez snapped back, "So neither should we,"
Billy shook his head and tried to tune out the argument only to notice Axel pissing only about a foot from the door, "Damn man, couldn't have gone a few feet away before doing that?" Billy asked with a shake of his head,
"And get my pecker bit off by some roamer, no thank you," Axel shot back, "It'll be just a minute," As the man began focused on finishing his business he suddenly heard the sound of his pee hitting metal instead of just ground, "The hell...Hey!"
"We aren't shaking it for you!" Molly called out,
"Check it out," Axel said, causing both Molly and Billy to poke their heads out the door. Axel held up a small green road sign clearly knocked down long ago. The top text read Woodbury one mile north, then right below, National Guard Station four miles east, "We gotta go right, glad I took a leak here now?"
Alright, so we got the start of the group scavenging run and more exciting Lee and Carley's wedding! I also want to thank everyone who voted in the poll from the last chapter and I hope you're happy to see these eight characters get a bit more love! Next chapter will be another one with just these eight and I hope you'll enjoy it! Anyway, let me know what you think and I'll see you in the next one!