The Walking Dead : Lee Everett

"…What?"

"Your story" 

Natasha repeated, her tone sharper now. 

"I didn't buy it."

Lee shifted uncomfortably. 

"Nata—"

"I didn't buy it" 

She interrupted, her voice unwavering, her eyes locked onto his.

Lee opened his mouth, but she raised a hand to stop him. Her expression softened, but her words were deliberate. 

"Listen, Lee, I trust you. I don't need to know every detail to see that you're trying to protect us—protect Clementine. But I can also tell you're carrying something heavy, something you haven't said out loud yet."

Her tone dropped, quieter but no less earnest. 

"Whatever it is… I want you to know that I'm here. If you ever want to ease that burden, if you need someone to talk to…"

Natasha hesitated for just a moment, then offered him a small, genuine smile. 

"I'll be around."

Before Lee could respond, Natasha turned and walked toward the barn. Her figure blended into the shadows of the setting sun, her resolve as steady as ever. From the open barn doors, he could see Maggie working, feeding the animals with her usual quiet focus.

Lee let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding, running a hand down his face. Natasha's words lingered, leaving a strange mix of comfort and unease in their wake.

But there wasn't time to dwell. He stood up, his movements purposeful now. He knew what had to be done.

Save-Lots.

The name surfaced in his mind like a festering wound. Lee clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as memories of what he knew about the group flooded back. They were more than just a looming threat—they were monsters, the kind of evil that didn't hesitate to destroy lives for their gain.

Save-Lots wasn't just any group of survivors. They were predators. Bandits who thrived on fear and desperation. They raided communities, killed innocent people for supplies, and kidnapped anyone they deemed useful. And their cruelty didn't stop there. They threatened families, blackmailed the weak, and committed unspeakable acts against women.

He had their location. He had scouted their location when he came to Macon before the Apocalypse started. 

He thought of Clementine, her bright eyes filled with hope despite everything. He thought of Natasha, her quiet strength, and the trust she placed in him. He thought of the others who relied on him, who believed he could keep them safe.

The weight of that responsibility pressed on him, but it didn't crush him. It fueled him.

Lee started walking toward the Barn, his resolve hardening with each step. He was ready to do this now. He'd done it today. He could do it again.

After the events that had unfolded here, the farmhouse had been meticulously cleaned. The once blood-stained floors and tainted walls bore no visible signs of the St. Johns' atrocities. Yet, the haunting memories lingered, etched deeply into their minds.

Exhausted but unwilling to be apart, Natasha, Maggie, and Lee gathered in the farmhouse's main hall. They spread mattresses over the creaking floorboards, their closeness a silent pact of comfort and protection. The group sought the solace of each other's presence, speaking little as the weight of recent events settled heavily on their shoulders. Gradually, sleep claimed them, the farmhouse enveloping them in its uneasy stillness.

The next morning, the faint blush of dawn filtered through the farmhouse windows, casting soft streaks of light across the sleeping forms. Lee stirred first, rising quietly to avoid disturbing the others. He paused, glancing down at Natasha and Maggie, their faces peaceful in slumber. He freshened up quickly and stepped outside, inhaling the crisp morning air.

The generator hummed steadily in the distance, a testament to the farm's remaining resources. After checking the fuel levels, Lee noted there was enough to keep it running for about a month—a small but crucial comfort in their uncertain world. Retrieving his walkie-talkie, he radioed Kenny at the Motor Inn.

"Kenny, it's Lee. We've got the farm secure. Start preparing everyone for the move here. It's safer."

There was a brief pause before Kenny's voice crackled back with a reassuring. 

"Got it. We'll get everything packed and head your way."

Back in the farmhouse, Natasha was the first to wake. Her groggy expression shifted to one of curiosity as Lee explained their plan. 

"We need to get everyone here" 

He said. Without hesitation, Natasha roused Maggie, and the three of them left for the Motor Inn to help with the preparations.

The move took three grueling hours. Each trip back and forth was laden with boxes of supplies, tools, and whatever scraps of normalcy the group had managed to preserve. The convoy of vehicles rattled along the dirt road, loaded with people and possessions, until finally, every last item from the Motor Inn had been relocated to the farm.

As the sun climbed high into the afternoon sky, the group began to settle in. Familiar faces flitted between the farmhouse and its surrounding buildings, organizing the essentials and securing their new base. Amid the bustling activity, Lee called on Kenny, Natasha, and Carly. Together, they began gathering everyone in the main hall of the farmhouse.

Lee stood at the center of the room, the weight of his role evident in his stance. He glanced around at the weary yet hopeful faces of the group as they assembled. The others sensed the gravity of the moment, their conversations fading into an expectant silence. Natasha, Kenny, and Carly stood nearby, offering quiet support.

Lee cleared his throat, the room stilling entirely. He was ready to speak, his voice steady but filled with purpose.

Lee stood in the center of the farmhouse hall, the room dimly lit by the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. His presence commanded attention, and the weight of the conversation to come was evident in the tension that filled the air. Adults formed a quiet circle around him, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The children had been sent outside under Sandra's watchful eye, their laughter faintly audible from beyond the thick farmhouse walls. Inside, the atmosphere was far more serious.

Lee began, his voice steady and deliberate. 

"I don't know how much you know about this place—how we came to have it. I've left that job to them" 

He said, nodding subtly toward Natasha and Kenny. 

"You can ask them if you want the details, and they'll decide what to tell you."

He paused, scanning the room. 

"The reason I called you here is because of the danger we're going to be facing. There's a group called Save-Lots. It used to be a store, but now it's controlled by a bunch of criminals. They're not far from here, and it's only a matter of time before they notice us. When they do, they'll come. And they won't come peacefully."

His words hung in the air, the weight of them settling heavily on the group. Uneasy glances were exchanged, the grim reality sinking in. Kenny, standing near the edge of the circle, crossed his arms and nodded silently, his expression serious. He had told the group before about what Lee had done for them—how he had taken down the St. Johns to protect everyone. That memory carried weight, and it now lent credence to Lee's authority.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat this" 

Lee continued, his tone sharp and direct. 

"We have two choices. First, we can leave this place. Run, pack what we can, and hope we find somewhere safe before they find us. But this farm is close to their base—it won't take them long to track us. Our second option is to stay here, make this our home, and do what's necessary to keep everyone safe."

He took a step forward, his gaze intense as he met the eyes of each person in the room. 

"That means eliminating the Save-Lots. Every single one of them. If we don't, they'll come for us—and they won't show mercy."

The room was silent, the enormity of his words pressing down on everyone present. Some shifted uncomfortably, others stared at the floor, lost in thought. The idea of taking lives—of choosing violence—wasn't an easy one to grapple with. But the alternative was just as bleak.

"I'm not asking any of you to come with me" 

Lee said after a moment. 

"Originally, I planned to do this alone. But Kenny convinced me that this wasn't just my responsibility. It's about all of us, about keeping everyone safe."

He straightened, his voice resolute. 

"Me, Natasha, Kenny, and Carly are heading out to the gun shop by the drugstore to gather weapons. While we're gone, I want you to think about this. Decide where you stand. Those who are ready to join me on this—who understand what's at stake—be prepared when we return."

Lee's statement was final, and his posture made it clear that he wouldn't entertain hesitation or half-measures. He wasn't forcing anyone, but he also couldn't afford indecision. Hesitation could cost lives, and he wouldn't risk the safety of the group for the uncertainty of a few.

With that, he stepped back, giving the room space to process his words. Kenny stood nearby, his eyes scanning the group for signs of dissent or solidarity. Natasha and Carly exchanged a glance but said nothing, their focus already on the task ahead.

Outside, the faint laughter of children carried on the breeze, a stark contrast to the grim deliberation unfolding within the farmhouse walls.

The old farmhouse stood in stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed the world. Its weathered boards, surrounded by sprawling farmland, had become a beacon of hope for Lee's group—a temporary sanctuary in a storm of death and despair. But even here, safety was fleeting. Lee, Kenny, Natasha, and Carly knew they had to act quickly to prepare for what lay ahead. The walkers were relentless, and their only chance of survival was to be armed and ready for the fight.

Lee's jeep roared to life as the group climbed in. The vehicle was rugged, its tires built for off-road terrain, making it the perfect choice for their mission. The dirt roads leading away from the farmhouse were rough, but the jeep handled them effortlessly. The four of them sat in silence, their faces tense, each consumed by their thoughts. As they neared the outskirts of town, the rural scenery began to shift. Scattered buildings came into view, their windows shattered, and the once vibrant streets now eerily silent save for the occasional shuffling of the undead.

The plan was straightforward but risky. Lee would use the jeep to draw the walkers away from the gun store, giving Kenny, Natasha, and Carly the chance to grab as many weapons and supplies as they could.

Lee pulled the jeep to a stop a few blocks from the gun store. Turning to the group, he gave them a steady look.

"Stick to the plan" 

He said firmly. 

"Don't take any unnecessary risks. Get what we need and get out. I'll keep them distracted."

The others nodded, their resolve clear. Lee pressed the accelerator, the jeep's engine roaring as he sped down the street, honking the horn to draw the walkers' attention. The sound echoed through the empty streets, and soon, the undead began to shuffle after him, their guttural moans growing louder as they moved.

Kenny, Natasha, and Carly wasted no time. They slipped into the gun store, their hearts pounding as they worked quickly to gather rifles, pistols, shotguns, and as much ammunition as they could carry. The store was dimly lit, the shelves half-empty, but they found enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Ten minutes later, Natasha's voice crackled over the radio. 

"We're done, Lee. Heading out now."

Lee, who had successfully led the walkers several blocks away, turned the jeep toward the drugstore where the rest of their group was waiting. He drove carefully, avoiding any unnecessary noise that might attract more walkers.

When they arrived back at the farm, the mood was a mix of relief and urgency. The group unloaded their haul, spreading the weapons and ammunition out on a table. Rifles, pistols, and shotguns gleamed under the fading sunlight. There were enough bullets to hold their ground.

Inside the farmhouse, Hershel's family was busy tending to their responsibilities. They had taken charge of the farm animals, ensuring a steady supply of eggs and milk. The chickens clucked softly in their coop, and the lone cow grazed peacefully in the field. It was a small semblance of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world.

Lee called the group together. He had a plan for the night, one that would test their resolve and prepare them for the battles to come. But before he could address everyone, Glenn approached him, his expression serious.

"Lee, there's something I need to tell you" 

Glenn began, his voice steady but laced with determination.

"Go ahead" 

Lee said, turning to face him.

"I'm going to Atlanta" 

Glenn said, his tone resolute. 

"Tomorrow, I'm leaving."

Lee studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. 

"Alright."

"And I'm coming with you tonight" 

Glenn added, his gaze unwavering.

"You don't have to—"

"I do" 

Glenn interrupted. 

"This isn't about what you did yesterday. I'm going because I need to save my friends. To do that, I have to be ready. I'll travel, meet people, and face dangers. But I won't let anyone kill me. I need to learn. I want to come with you so I can prepare for Atlanta."

Lee considered Glenn's words before nodding again. 

"Alright, but stick close and pay attention. Tonight's going to be rough."

The group gathered in the fading light, their faces solemn as Lee began to teach them the basics of handling a rifle. He demonstrated how to load, aim, and fire, emphasizing the importance of precision and control. The sound of gunshots echoed across the field as they practiced, each shot a step closer to survival.

The group stood in a loose circle near the barn, the dim moonlight casting long shadows across their faces. Lee's voice broke through the tense silence, firm and resolute.

"Alright" 

He began, his tone steady. 

"Since everyone knows how to use a rifle, I need to say this now. If you're ready to leave—truly ready—then come with me. Only those who are one hundred percent certain they can do this.

Hesitation might mean someone close to us doesn't make it back. So, if you're not sure, step back now. You're not chickening out, you're saving lives. Staying behind is just as important as coming with us."

His words hung in the air, heavy and sobering. Slowly, some began to back away, their faces shadowed with reluctance but also relief. Those who chose to stay behind weren't cowards—they understood the stakes and made their decisions with the group's survival in mind.

Tensions flared when Hershel's children, Shawn and Maggie, stepped forward. Hershel's face darkened, and he crossed his arms, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.

"Shawn, Maggie, you don't need to do this" 

He said, his voice rising. 

"This isn't your fight. You're safe here. Why take this risk?"

Maggie met her father's gaze, her jaw set with determination. 

"Daddy, nowhere is safe. These people at Save-Lots are a threat to all of us. If we don't deal with them, they'll come here eventually. We have to fight now, while we still can."

"She's right" 

Shawn added, his voice calm but resolute. 

"We can't sit back and let others risk everything for us. We've got to do our part."

Hershel's shoulders sagged under the weight of their conviction. He looked to Lee, his eyes pleading. 

"You promise me, Lee. You promise me you'll keep them safe."

Lee met his gaze and nodded solemnly. 

"I'll do my very best, Hershel. I swear it."

Satisfied, though still filled with worry, Hershel stepped back, his arms dropping to his sides. He knew this was a necessary task—those at Save-Lots were dangerous, vile people. If left alone, they would eventually find the farm and destroy everything.

Meanwhile, Sandra stepped forward, clutching her rifle nervously. 

"I want to come" 

She said, her voice trembling. 

"I can fight. I can help."

Natasha stepped in, placing a hand on Sandra's shoulder. 

"Your fight is here, Sandra. Stay with the kids. They need you more than we do. You're protecting them just by staying."

Sandra hesitated, then nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. 

"Alright. Just... please come back."

Once the final decisions were made, Lee stood with those who had chosen to go. Kenny adjusted his cap, his face grim with determination. Natasha slung her rifle over her shoulder, ready for the task ahead. Maggie and Shawn exchanged a nod, their resolve unwavering. Lee's brother stood close, his expression a mirror of Lee's. Lilly, Carly, and Glenn readied themselves, their weapons at hand.

Lee gave them one last look. 

"Let's move."

They bid their farewells to those staying behind, whispers of love and promises to return filling the air. Then they slipped into the forest, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth. The farm disappeared behind them, swallowed by the darkness.

After a long, silent trek through the woods, the group reached a secluded area near the Save-Lots building. The structure loomed ahead of them, its once-vibrant facade now dark and foreboding. It was a massive mall, a potential treasure trove of supplies, but the people inside had turned barbaric, their humanity lost in the chaos of the apocalypse.

Lee led the group into a small abandoned building beside the mall. They cleared the space and settled in, waiting for the clock to strike at 2 AM. The room was tense, the air thick with anticipation.

Sensing the tension, Lee stood and addressed them. 

"Alright, listen up. We wait for the right moment, then we move in. Call this a precaution, a necessity, or survival—it doesn't matter. What this really is, is an execution.

These people inside? They've done horrible things. They've ruined lives. And if we let them live, they'll ruin ours eventually. There's no law anymore, no courts or justice system. It's up to us. We're doing this to protect our own, to save lives. Tonight, we end this."

His words resonated with the group. The fear and doubt lingering in their minds began to dissipate, replaced by a grim determination. They had heard the stories of Save-Lots—the horrors, the cruelty—and it was enough to steel their resolve.

Kenny, smirked and said

"You should be a politician, Lee."

The group chuckled, the tension easing just a bit. The moment of levity was brief but needed, a reminder of the humanity they were fighting to protect.

When the clock hit 2 AM, Lee signaled to the group. 

"Let's move."

They rose quietly, rifles in hand, and followed Lee out into the darkness. This was it—the moment they'd been preparing for. The night was quiet save for the soft rustling of leaves and the distant groans of the undead. Together, they advanced toward the Save-Lots building, ready to face the horrors within.

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