Here we are with another update to this crossover! As we can see, the group expands, and some things happen! I have a lot planned for this story still, and can't wait to implement all of it! There are going to be some unique things and new directions in the next chapter!
I hope you enjoy the character interactions as well as the story conflict. There's going to be a lot of action in the future, and this was a glimpse into that!
If you are interested in the smutty content, it'll be coming very soon! Keep an eye out for updates!
Regardless, I hope you enjoy! Thanks!
STORY START:
Since the group had left the gas station, it was mainly quiet. It was only the setting sun, the silent road, and the soft murmurs that filled the interior. Overall, it was very comfortable.
Naruto hummed softly as he scanned the dictionary in his hands, re-reading the same few pages over and over. He was learning how to put sentences together; thankfully, Doug seemed kind enough to help him.
"I am...happy to...eat food," Naruto glanced up, scanning the man's face for feedback. Honest criticism was the only way he was going to get better.
"Your accent isn't so thick anymore, so that's a plus," Dough mentioned while leaning back into the leather seat. "What you said is technically correct, but there's a better way to say it. Most people would say they're excited to eat or excited for dinner. That kind of thing."
Naruto nodded, doing his best to make mental notes. He wanted to get better. Needed to get better.
Ever since the start of this dilemma, Naruto felt like they were always doing something. Always looking for the next thing or planning how they would survive the day. He didn't get much time to think about his whereabouts.
Now, as he sat in the back of the vehicle, Naruto came to a conclusion. A conclusion that he had made back in the pharmacy, unknown to the others.
He wasn't in his world. At all. If he was, he had to have been sent to another point in time that rendered Shinobi obsolete. There was no such thing as Konoha on this planet. He would know, considering he had found a globe sitting back in the pharmacy.
When the adults were talking, and Clementine was busy drawing, the blonde had snuck off to study the globe. He had spun it a few times, watching the outline of the continents and oceans. The names of the countries and formations of the landscapes were completely foreign to him.
He had remembered a few, such as the USA, France, Korea, and even the Japan that Lee mentioned. All of it only confirmed he wasn't in his homeland, no, he was somewhere completely different.
Things such as smartphones, cars, planes, and highway systems didn't exist in his world. Yet, here, it was commonplace. Even the weapons that Lee had used, guns if he remembered correctly, were foreign. His way of life was gone.
It had been a bitter pill for Naruto to swallow, and if he were being honest, he hadn't truly gotten over it. While his home life was far from ideal, he had met some good people. People like Hiruzen, Teuchi, and a few others didn't treat him like a pest. They were people he was going to miss.
A large part of him felt overwhelming guilt for ever messing with the Scroll of Seals in the first place. He knew it was dangerous, but he hadn't realized the severity of it. Practicing Kinjutsus so freely had cost him his previous life. Naruto didn't even know how he would get back.
He had only arrived here because he followed the theories written by the previous Hokages, along with his crude Fuinjutsu seal. He couldn't perfectly recreate the conditions needed to do it again, and even if he could, there was no telling if he could go back. All he had from his old life were the clothes on his back and his trusty pair of goggles.
Naruto had considered traveling alone, trying to find a way by himself. Even if it was hopeless, even if Konoha was gone, he wanted to try. To see if he could find some semblance of his friends. After all, he did find a book that contained his language in this place. Maybe there was some link that would reveal a way back.
That was until he learned more about these people. About Lee and Clementine.
Lee seemed to be a good man, Naruto could tell. He had dealt with his fair share of asshole adults, and Lee didn't treat him like they did. If anything, Larry was more similar to the people from Konoha who scorned him. The man had a funny way of bringing up bad memories by acting like himself.
He was doing his best to protect them, even if Naruto felt like he didn't need it. While he may not have had the strongest skillset, he was still a Shinobi. He could access his Chakra system just fine and had a few years of training from the Academy. He wasn't completely hopeless.
Then there was Clementine. Naruto could confidently say that she was much more friendly than other girls he was used to, like Sakura or Ino. While they were bullies and rude, Clementine was nice. She tried to help him learn and even bonded with him, like taking the time to occasionally color. It was those small things that Naruto appreciated.
Being thrown headfirst into this environment was jarring; there was no doubt about that. But Naruto liked to think he was making the best of a bad situation. He was trying to play catch-up, to learn everything he could, and make a decision from that. In just the past few days, he had done things that he would've never dreamed of.
Spending the night in a treehouse. Riding in a car. Killing monsters. Those things were shaping him into somebody who needed to learn how to survive. Naruto felt like he was drowning in a well of information, but he was trying to keep his head afloat. It was slowly getting easier.
"I like...friends," Naruto attempted, glancing up at Doug.
Doug nodded, finding it passable, "Not bad, but instead you should say that you like your friends. Repeat after me: I like my friends."
"I like my friends," Naruto corrected, taking the time to sound out each syllable. "Better?"
Doug chuckled, "Yeah, better."
As the two spoke, a different conversation was happening in the front. One that was whispered between two adults.
"Having fun?" Carley broke the silence between them with a warm smile on her face. She gently stroked Clementine's back as the girl snuggled into her embrace, softly snoring. The girl had been lulled to sleep by the sensation of the car on the road.
"If you consider driving on an empty road fun, then I'm having loads of it," Lee chuckled, flexing his fingers around the steering wheel. He passed another sign by the road, telling him that the Air Force base was only thirty miles away. As he drove, he passed nothing but abandoned cars, dead walkers, and random trash. At least the long stretch of highway gave him time to think.
"I forgot to say this earlier, but nice shooting," Carley appreciated. Seeing Lee's puzzled expression, she chuckled, "Back at the pharmacy. When you put a bullet between that walker's eyes. It was a good shot."
"Oh, thanks," Lee nodded, the edges of his mouth shifting upward.
"Don't get a big head yet, I said it was a good shot. Not great, like mine," Carley playfully teased, a fake smugness in her tone.
"Oh, really? You saying you're better than me?" Lee asked, finding the banter amusing.
"Yep," She popped the 'p' with extra emphasis, "I had to cover a few war zones back in my reporting days. I learned a lot about how to shoot."
"Guess we'll have to host a little contest one day," Lee joked, a warmth settling into the environment. It felt nice to have someone he could be so friendly with. Having true comrades, true allies, was a resource that was more valuable than money nowadays.
A few more seconds passed as the two adults basked in the comfortable silence.
Carley adjusted her purse, ensuring it didn't dig into Clementine's side, "...she's all tuckered out."
Lee glanced over, a warm expression on his face, "I'm exhausted, I can't imagine how tired she is. I hate to think how much emotional stress she's holding. I know she doesn't want to worry us, but it's taking a toll on her."
"She's a very brave girl, that's for sure," Carley mumbled, pulling a stray hair from Clementine's face, "She hammered that walker even if she was scared out of her mind. I'm guessing holding her heavy backpack didn't help either. Poor baby was probably sore from the extra weight."
Lee felt his mouth dry, tearing his gaze back to the road ahead. He could vividly recall asking Clementine if she could hold some of the extra supplies, considering she was one of the few people with a backpack. She had happily agreed in the moment, but he was starting to second-guess himself.
Finally, he spoke in a tone that was barely above a whisper. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" Seeing Carley's raised brow, the man clarified. "I mean, do you think I'm teaching them the right things? Am I pushing them too hard?"
Carley digested the information, sighing deeply. She shuffled Clementine's face into her chest, snuggling her with both arms. She closed her eyes, taking a moment before she spoke. "Lee, I think you're doing everything you can. We can't lie, the world has changed. What we considered moral back then isn't the same now. As much as I hate to admit it, survival has become the top priority."
Lee stayed quiet, listening intently.
"I can't imagine being put in your position, taking care of two kids, but try to lead them with integrity. Show them how to survive, but don't let them become monsters. It's the best advice I could give you," Carley spoke somberly, "As much as I hate to say it, they need to learn how to fit into this new world. A world that doesn't care how old you are. A world where one mistake can take your life quicker than you can blink. I...I learned that lesson back at the news station."
Raising a brow, Lee allowed her to continue. He was mulling over decisions in his head.
"As you know, I was a news reporter. I operated down in Atlanta, that's where our headquarters were," Carley clarified, her eyes glazing over. She dived into a sea of bad memories, of when the outbreak first began. "We were covering a festival in Macon when...when those things took my production crew by surprise. I can still hear the screams from my producer as they tore into him. If it wasn't for Doug stepping in, I...I would've died that day."
Lee's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He never would've guessed that Doug, the seemingly friendly and chubby man, had the guts to face the walkers. He was even more surprised to know the two worked together. Doug most definitely earned his respect.
"Anyway," Carley softly shook her head, stroking Clementine's messy hair, "The point is, that moment showed me how we're not living in the same society we once did. I don't really blame Lilly for being mistrusting of strangers, even if she is a pain in the ass, because it's how we need to be. But...but I like to think we don't need to become horrible people to live."
"How so?" Lee asked, his dark eyes staring into Clementine's sleeping face.
"Keep her on the right path, don't let her moral compass collapse. That's what I would recommend," Carley suggested, "Show her what we have to do, but draw the line between right and wrong. It won't be easy...hell, even I struggle with it, but it's worth it."
Lee nodded, letting the words sink in. As he pondered Carley's advice, he thought back to the gas station. How he explained stealing to a young, innocent girl. Lee wondered if he said the right things, if he did the right things, because it mattered. He knew Clementine and Naruto would be watching, learning from him. If he set a bad example, it would shine through them.
The atmosphere in the car seemed to settle down as the conversation quieted. Cool air blew on the occupants inside while the tires continued to drive at 60 miles per hour, rolling over asphalt. Larry was asleep with a loud snore while Lilly glanced out the tinted window, numerous thoughts running through her head.
Everything was calm, quiet. Until it wasn't.
The road curved around a hill. That's when Lee saw it. A pickup truck sat crooked across the shoulder ahead, the hood popped open. Unlike the empty vehicles they usually passed, someone was standing next to this truck. It was a man, waving both arms frantically. Behind him stood a woman clutching a young boy. The kid looked exhausted, leaning against her leg.
"What the hell?" He whispered, easing off the gas. Carley sat up in her seat, an action that awakened Clementine from her slumber. She yawned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Lilly peeked from the center, an action mirrored by Doug and Naruto. Each of them felt the vehicle's sudden decrease in speed.
Finally, Lee slowed the car to a crawl. Everyone tensed as the man jogged toward the black SUV, unsure of his intentions. Carley clutched Clementine a little tighter while Lee reached for the hammer in the cupholder, barely out of view. If needed, he would strike.
Lilly widened her eyes, reaching for the pistol under her shirt, "Lee, what the hell! What the fuck are you thinking?!" She hissed venomously, an action that finally awoke the sleeping Larry.
Up close, Lee got a better look at the man. He looked rough with a thick mustache, a trucker hat, and a sweat-soaked shirt.
"Hey! Hey, thank God!" The man said, happy as Lee rolled down the window halfway. "Name's Kenny. My truck's dead. Won't start no matter what I do."
Lee glanced past him, staring at the mother and son duo. The woman offered a cautious wave while the boy offered a half-smile, clearly exhausted by the day's actions.
"That's my wife, Katjaa. And my boy, Duck," Kenny continued quickly. "We've been stuck here for hours. Those damn things started showin' up on the road not long ago, and we've been having to fend them off."
Lee didn't answer right away. Not yet. He contemplated what to say, what to do. He wrapped his hand around the steering wheel with one hand, while the other gripped the hammer.
Kenny noticed the drowsy Clementine in the passenger seat, his gaze softening slightly.
"You got a kid too, huh?"
Finally, Lee responded, "Yeah."
Kenny leaned closer to the window, desperation leaking into his voice, "Listen, man...please. Just take us somewhere safe. A town, a hotel, hell, even a cabin! We can't stay out here."
Lee's eyes drifted toward the treeline. A shape moved between the trunks. Then another. And another.
Walkers. They were slow, but they were coming. It seemed Kenny wasn't lying.
Looking back at the man, Lee stiffened his body, "You got weapons?"
"Unless you consider a tire iron a weapon, no. That's all we have."
Lee glanced over at Clementine. Her small gaze watched him carefully, trusting him completely. Looking into the rear-view mirror, he spotted Naruto's blue eyes staring back at him. Like Clementine, he trusted him.
A weight settled heavily into his chest. The burden of decisions once again fell on him. It wasn't an easy task at all.
Taking the family meant more people to feed. Three more mouths who would deplete their supplies. It also meant they had more people to protect. More chances for something to go wrong.
But leaving them here...it left a bad taste in his mouth. Carley's words, about not becoming monsters, replayed in his head. As he stared at the family, Lee's stomach tightened. Seeing Duck clinging to his mother's arm, Kenny's desperation, and Katjaa's exhausted look was heartbreaking. Far behind them, the walkers were also getting closer.
Lee exhaled slowly.
"...Pop the trunk. Throw whatever you're carrying in there."
Kenny blinked, "W-what?"
Lilly lurched forward, her hands clutching the back of Lee's seat, "What the FUCK?! Do we not get a say in this?"
Larry focused his gaze, rubbing his jaw to rid the soreness. He shared his daughter's sentiment. Naruto and Doug remained silent, taking in the scene.
"There are dozens of walkers getting closer, look!" Lee pointed with his head, "Do you think we should leave them behind to be ripped apart? They have a fucking kid for Christ's sake!"
Lilly snarled in her seat, looking at the snapping jaws of the walkers. As Lee mentioned, they were getting closer. She conceded the argument, but kept a sharp glare. Larry frowned beside her.
Lee looked back over at Kenny, speaking quickly but firmly, "Your family gets the trunk; there should be enough space even with our stuff back there. Just move the backpacks out of your way. You can ride with us until we find somewhere safer."
"Jesus...thank you. Thank you, man," Kenny whispered with disbelief in his eyes. He ran back to his family, delivering the good news. The older man reached into his pickup truck, retrieving a duffel bag. Likely holding what remained of the family's belongings.
Katjaa hurried toward the car with Duck, helping him climb into the back. Kenny ran back, occasionally glancing over his shoulder to see the approaching walkers. He slammed the trunk shut behind himself a moment later.
Lee pulled the car back onto the road, taking a deep breath. He knew this would cause issues with Lilly later. It felt like his fragile peace with her never truly stabilized.
Clementine looked over to him, "You helped them."
Lee kept his eyes on the road as the walkers faded behind them. "Yeah..."
A bright smile spread across her face a moment later. Carley watched the interaction, secretly brimming with joy. She had personally been in favor of housing the family, and was happy to see Lee agree with her choice.
Now, they would have to hope they made the right decision.
...
A chain-link fence stretched high and endless, crowned with rusted barbed wire that rattled softly in the wind. Beyond it stood the abandoned United States, Robins Air Force Base. Hangars loomed like empty shells, control towers were silent, and long strips of runway disappeared into the horizon.
Kenny's family had been briefed on their mission to find more supplies at an air force base along the drive. To their surprise, Kenny seemed to think the plan was solid. He didn't mind helping out for the group's benefit.
Lee slowed the car as they approached the busted front gate. The metal barrier had been forced open at some point, bent inward as something heavy had plowed through it.
"Normally, you need a code to get in, but I guess that doesn't matter now," Lilly mentioned from the backseat, keeping her tone steady. "Keep driving and take a left, that's where the base commissary is. Should be a thick concrete building with white doors. It'll be a good place to start searching for supplies."
"Looks big," Clementine murmured, peering out the window. Carley nodded in agreement, taking in the space that was once restricted for civilians.
In the back, Duck poked his head out with a wide grin. His childlike curiosity had won out in the end. "You think there are planes here?"
"Not ones we're flyin' outta here," Came Kenny's voice, "Just keep your head down."
Lee guided the SUV through the broken gate and onto the base. Following Lilly's earlier suggestion, he angled the car toward the left. The tires crushed gravel and debris as they drove. Torn tarps and a few abandoned military crates littered the entryway, as if people had tried to evacuate in a hurry. They likely never made it out either.
Finding the commissary building, Lee parked near the entrance. It had shattered windows and a busted entrance, a sign that people had been here before.
"Everyone out," Lee ordered, turning the engine off. Grabbing the keys with a tight grip, Lee shuffled to the back. As everyone spilled out, he popped the trunk open for the small family.
"Thanks," Kenny grunted, angling his body out of the back. Helping Katjaa and Duck, Lee finally reached for his leather backpack. Larry, Lilly, Carley, and Clementine reached for their respective supplies. They had to be ready for whatever came next.
Naruto watched as Kenny reached for a tire iron, holding it firmly. He nodded in appreciation. At least this man wasn't afraid to defend his family. He could get behind that.
"What's up, bro? Nice to meet you!" Duck said, walking toward Naruto. He reached a fist out, waiting for the blonde to reciprocate.
Naruto blinked in confusion. He didn't understand the gesture.
"Sorry, Duck, Naruto's still learning English," Lee apologized on his behalf, a half smile on his face.
"He's learning English? The kid looks pretty American with his hair...although, those marks on his cheeks are kinda weird. Never seen a birthmark like that before," Kenny pointed out, raising a brow.
"Oh, no worries then," Duck assured. He grabbed Naruto's wrist, bringing it up to his fist. After tapping both knuckles together, he laughed, "It's called a fist bump. It's like saying you're cool."
"Fist...bump?" Naruto repeated, looking down at his hand. Seeing the positive reaction on Duck's face, Naruto cracked a small smile. It was cooler than a handshake in his mind.
"Ooh, I wanna fist bump!" Clementine butted in, raising both hands at once. In response, Duck and Naruto tapped their knuckles against her. It earned a laugh from all three.
The adults watched with grins of their own, happy to see the kids getting along. It was a nice moment.
"Well, let's get going before the sun goes down," Lee pointed out, shifting the backpack correctly. "We stick together, no splitting up. It's not worth the danger. We check this building first and go from there."
"Got it," Kenny nodded. His cooperation was the least he could provide after this man saved his family. His wife squeezed his hand, a soft expression on her face. It seemed she agreed that they had found some good people.
"I can stay with the kids," Katjaa offered. "Until everyone comes back."
"I think that would be good, what do you think, Lee?" Carley asked, opening her purse and retrieving a few bullets for her pistol. She double-checked her magazine, ensuring she had enough ammo.
"Aww, I wanna go! Please let me tag along!" Clementine whined.
"I think it's better if you stay here for now, sweet pea," Lee explained, getting down on one knee. He knew the risks of entering a military base were huge, and it wasn't worth endangering Clementine's life. Not to mention the increased weight of her backpack could endanger her life by slowing her down.
Seeing her downtrodden look broke something in Lee's heart. Such a sad expression didn't look right on the girl he was protecting. Before he could open his mouth to say something, another voice filled the air.
"Someone's gotta keep these boys in line, right?" Carley added on, a teasing glint in her eyes. "It's up to us girls to make sure they don't make a mess of things."
Katjaa giggled behind her hand, seeing Naruto and Duck pout.
"Huh...? Oh, yeah!" Clementine nodded, her frown replaced with a small grin. "Okay, I'll be in charge of them!"
With their roles decided, the group of survivors prepared to trek inside. They moved as a group toward the entrance, armed and ready. The glass doors had already been smashed in, leaving jagged edges along the frame.
Once inside, the group felt the stale air hit their face. Dust floated in thin beams of light cutting through the broken windows. Papers were scattered everywhere. Forms, maps, and military documents were trampled into the floor.
As Katjaa, Naruto, Duck, and Clementine remained behind and out of view, Lee finally spoke up. His voice was firm while his eyes scanned the area. "Since you know the layout of this place, you'll lead Lilly."
Lilly nodded, already walking in the front. Lee and Carley walked behind her while Doug and Larry made up the back.
"This is where we used to work, up ahead is the mess hall," Lilly explained, tense and firm.
Kenny checked corners with his tire iron raised, taking small breaths when nothing jumped out at him.
"Should be stocked up well," Larry interjected as he clenched a knife his daughter had given him. "Military ain't exactly known for runnin' empty."
When they entered the room at the end of the hall, the group realized they had hit what had once been a cafeteria. A place where soldiers used to eat and relax. Now, it was in disarray.
Tables were overturned, trays still sitting where they'd been left. A vending machine lay on its side, glass shattered.
"Oh, ugh!" Doug cringed his nose, the smell of rotting food hitting his nostrils. He could see a few flies buzzing around moldy bread, slimy steak, and watery mashed potatoes. The food had been left here for who knows how long.
Lee crouched by the vending machine, carefully brushing glass aside. He witnessed a few sealed snacks spill out onto the floor, a small miracle. "Still good," He said, grabbing his back to stuff them inside. It wasn't much, but he was sure the kids would appreciate a few candy bars.
Kenny let out a low whistle while checking behind a counter, ignoring the dried blood on the floor, "Bingo!" He held up a couple of cans of food. They were dusty but intact. "Looks like the people here didn't take everything!"
As Larry, Lilly, and Carley walked over to gather what they could, Lee paused. He scanned the doorways again, an uneasy feeling creeping back into his body.
Places like this didn't stay empty for long. When he heard a faint noise echoing somewhere deeper in the building, he froze. It sounded metallic and hard. It was joined by a set of heavy footsteps.
Everyone stopped their actions, glaring at the doorway. Their weapons were raised as the metallic clang neared. Even Lee stood up, grabbing his pistol and preparing to defend himself.
From the dark hallway beyond the mess hall, a figure shifted. Then it stepped into the light.
It was a man. Alive. He looked rough and wary, but alive. He held a piece of rebar like a weapon, being the source of the metallic clings. Seeing the weapons pointed at him, he raised both hands just enough to show he wasn't attacking. "Whoa...easy now..."
He had a medium, athletic build. Short, dark brown hair was neatly styled while a pair of rectangular, thin-rimmed glasses sat on his face. He maintained a light, groomed goatee and mustache. A tan tactical jacket was zipped up over a dark grey undershirt, while dark cargo pants and brown combat boots completed his outfit.
Lilly was the first to answer, her eyes narrowing while her iron sights were pointed at his head, "What the fuck was that noise? Do you just like trying to scare strangers?"
"Didn't think anyone else was out here," He said, glancing around the group.
"Yeah, well, we were thinkin' the same damn thing," Kenny exhaled sharply, lowering his tire iron slightly.
Lee spoke next, "Name's Lee. We're just passing through. Looking for supplies."
The man studied each of them, his expression shifting as he took in the survivors. For a moment, they wondered if he would try attacking them. However, instead, he just nodded slightly.
"There's a lot of supplies here, and I mean a lot," He emphasized, keeping his hands up, "But you gotta be careful, this place ain't as empty as it looks. I can help lead you guys. I used to work here. All I ask in return is a fair share; I can't take this place by myself. I already tried."
"Really? You used to work here?" Lilly raised a brow, suspicious across her face. "Don't fuck with us. What division were you in?"
"I was over in the 402nd Software Support Group. You?" He spoke, keeping his voice steady.
"I was Logistics...okay, if you were really here, tell me one thing. How did you get onto base in the morning without losing your mind?" Lilly questioned, narrowing her eyes. If this man truly worked here, he would know exactly what she was talking about. It was niche to the military officials who worked here.
"Easy, you avoid Gate 3 like the plague unless you want to wait for forty-five minutes. I always took the back way through Gate 15 or 14 because it was quicker."
Lilly inhaled through her nostrils, not giving away anything from her body language. "What's the loudest thing you remember about that flight line?"
"The JSTARS, no doubt. Trying to have a meeting, and an E-8C starts its engines? Forget it," The man chuckled, shaking his head.
Lilly seemed to analyze the answer for a second. Just as Lee was about to ask if he passed, she lowered her gun. "Alright, he definitely clocked some time here."
"That's good, right?" Carley asked with a raised brow, glancing between the two, "Since you both worked here, we can clear this place faster."
Larry spoke up from beside his daughter, his voice gruff, "I normally wouldn't agree, but it would be useful to have someone else who knows this place. I vote we take the deal."
Lee nodded, "I was thinking the same thing. If all he wants is a fair share in return for helping us, it's worth it. Having another pair of hands to fight off the walkers would be nice."
"Umm, hello? I'm standing right here?"
Kenny placed the tire iron by his side, the tension practically gone from the air. "Alright, what's your name?"
"Mark," He answered, slowly lowering his hands.
"Mark, you and I are taking the front when we're done looting here," Lilly commanded, "Don't fall behind."
"Thanks..." Mark said flatly.
Once the group had gathered what they could from the mess hall, they were back on the move. They pushed deeper inside, the base seemingly opening up as they walked.
With Mark and Lilly leading, they moved carefully through narrow hallways and wider storage areas. Every step was measured. Every corner checked before turning.
Boots echoed lightly against concrete floors. They passed offices that were clearly ransacked. Drawers hanging open, pencils on the floor, and papers scattered around the room.
"Folks came through fast," Mark muttered, nudging open a door with his piece of rebar. The place had been picked over, but not cleaned out. "Took what they could carry and ran. I managed to weather the storm by hiding in a supply closet and even found a small stash of food. Kept me going until now."
Inside was a storage room, metal shelves lining the walls. Some were knocked over while others still stood with scattered supplies.
Lee stepped in first, scanning the area. "Alright, we'll grab what we can use. Nothing unnecessary."
Kenny was already moving. "Food first. If it ain't expired to hell, it's comin' with us." He pulled dusty cans from a shelf, stuffing them into his duffel bag.
Carley spotted a half-full first aid kit tucked under a shelf. She knelt down, smoothing her pencil skirt while reaching for the item, "Lee, this could help."
"Good, hold onto it," Lee smirked. Having more medicine was never a bad idea. "Doug, see if there's any portable gas cans or things to syphon gas."
The man nodded, a smile on his face before walking off. In his opinion, that was a very smart idea.
Lilly checked the labels of certain bottles while Larry wandered toward the back. Mark spotted a small item in the back end of a shelf, "Hey, I found a sealed pack of crackers!"
"It's somethin'," Kenny smiled, "Pass it to me, I'll stuff it into the bag."
Lee grabbed a couple of ration packs off the floor, having fallen when the shelves were pushed. He only inspected the ones that hadn't been crushed by a stampede of feet, looking for expiration dates. Anything that was still good made its way to his backpack.
"Ta-daa! Score!" Doug came from the other end of the room, holding a syphon pump kit. The cardboard packaging was faded, bright red colors turning a dull gray. It was likely stored here years ago, long before the outbreak. It was old, but it was working. The man wiggled it within his hand.
Lee grinned. That settled his fears of refueling.
All the while, Larry pushed aside a half-collapsed shelf. It scraped loudly across the floor, making a few wince from the piercing noise.
SCREECH!
The older man was surprised to find a reinforced door behind it. "I think I found something over here."
Walking over, Mark was the first to speak, "Storage rooms like this usually connect to something bigger. Not a bad find."
"Well, I'll be damned! Ha!" Kenny smirked, adjusting the bag in his hand. Its increased weight was making it a little bit of a struggle to keep carrying.
Lee stepped up beside Mark, examining the entrance. The door looked heavy, made of solid steel. The keypad above the handle was long dead, displaying a dark screen.
But the handle...it was broken. Forced open before.
"Keep your guard up," Lee mentioned, gripping the handle. With his other hand on his pistol, the man pulled. The door creaked open slowly, making everyone prepare for what could be inside.
Racks. Crates. Boxes. All of it was inside.
This was an armory.
"Holy. Fucking. Shit..." Kenny blinked, awe in his voice. "Jackpot."
The room was dim, but intact. Rifles lined the walls, most gone, but a few still remained. Boxes of ammunition sat half-open, utility rigs hung untouched in the corner.
And stacked along the back wall was even more. Duffel bags. Backpacks, Webbed pouches. All of it being in pristine condition, untouched.
Larry stepped inside, grabbing one of the duffel bags and slinging it over his shoulder. "Guess whoever came through didn't have time to dig in! Now we're talkin'!"
"Don't get greedy. We take what we need. That's it," Lee commented, glancing over at the older man.
Doug nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing. While supplying themselves was the goal, it could also low them down if they overstocked.
Lilly moved carefully, checking the weapons that remained. Most were picked clean or missing critical parts, but a few were usable. A rarity that she appreciated.
Mark grabbed a sturdy, black backpack. He also handed an identical one to Carley. The woman took it with a thanks, stuffing inside the med-kit she just found. She also placed her purse inside, deciding to organize the things later. These large bags had multiple pockets, made for storage and durability.
Kenny grabbed two backpacks as well, slinging them over his free shoulder, "I'll grab these for Katjaa and Duck. Would be nice to carry more things."
Lee went toward another end of the storage room, opening the lid to a crate. With a wide grin, he called over his shoulder, "Carley, come look at this!"
The woman walked over, looking over Lee's shoulder. She gasped in shock, her voice elevated with joy, "T-That's amazing!"
Inside was a medical miracle. Bandages, antiseptics, and other supplies were sealed in plastic bags. The woman didn't waste time, stuffing them inside her new bag.
Mark grabbed another duffel bag from a lower shelf, tossing one toward Lee, who caught it, "Gonna need these."
The bags were dusty, but built to carry weight. Military-grade.
Lilly called out, grabbing a dark-green backpack for herself. She held up a few permanent markers, "Got a few of these. We can use these to label our duffel bags. It's better if we dedicate them to certain things, like food or medicine. It'll help keep us organized."
"She's right, the military hammered that into our heads. Organization is their bread and butter," Mark joked, "You should've seen how snug I used to make my bed corners."
The group began to gather whatever remained. They zipped open duffel bags, stuffing inside items they needed. Carley and Lee went crate to crate, announcing what could be used from each one.
Doug found a military-grade knife tucked away in a corner. It was sheathed in a black holster, heavy to the touch. He pulled it out, revealing high-carbon steel that was tough enough to handle heavy abuse. It featured a clip point blade, allowing for detailed work while maintaining a thick enough spine for strength. It was coated with black powder, giving it a dark finish.
Lilly took the time to label each one, writing the letters big and bold. Some of the duffel bags were marked with the same message, simply due to having overwhelming supplies. The markers were a dark blue, contrasting against the material.
"Medicine."
"Food & Water."
"Guns & Ammo."
Whatever didn't fit inside their backpacks went into the duffel bags. It was unsaid, but they acted as the community supplies. Supplies they would share between them. Multiple bags of life-saving equipment.
Zippers closed. Straps tightened. Supplies redistributed. For the first time since they'd arrived, they looked prepared.
Kenny slung his duffel over his shoulder and let out a breath, "Hell of a find. Might actually give us a shot out there."
Lee cracked a grin, helping Carley balance her full backpack. "Did you get your fair share, Mark?"
"Hell yeah I did! Boy, am I happy I stepped out of that closet," He laughed, double-checking every crate to ensure they didn't leave anything behind. Doug helped him inspect the crates. He looked happy with a new bag on his back and a new knife on his waist.
As Lee prepared to respond, he paused. The same uneasy feeling he got earlier came back at full force. However, this time, it was worse. Much worse.
There was a noise. Faint. Distant. But there. It echoed through the base. Instead of one, it was multiple.
When he could hear shouting and voices, his heart rate spiked.
"We need to go back, NOW!" Lee commanded, sprinting out of the area, "Something's going on!"
Kenny seemed to hear what Lee was talking about, his eyes widening. With multiple bags and adrenaline pumping through his veins, he followed Lee. For all he knew, his family was at risk.
Lilly, Carley, Doug, Larry, and Mark carried whatever remained. They rushed down the hall, hearing the sounds that made their gaze harden.
It was the sounds of walkers.
...
"This is a walkie-talkie," Clementine explained, swinging her legs from the back of the SUV. Duck and Katjaa sat on one side of her while Naruto sat on the other end.
Duck seemed mesmerized while Katjaa hummed happily, watching the children interact.
All the while, Naruto kept his eyes glued to the book in his hands. He would've liked to interact, but his limited grasp of the English language was holding him back. In his eyes, the sooner he learned, the sooner he could speak with them.
"A walkie-talkie," Duck repeated, stars in his eyes.
"Yep, you can use it to talk to other people!" Clementine happily exclaimed, waving around the item, "You use it by clicking the button on the side and talking into it. Lee has the other one, so I can use it to speak with him!"
Katjaa interjected with a raised finger, deciding to inform the children of a fun fact, "Those walkie-talkies use radio signals, so anyone who finds the right frequency can actually speak with you."
"Wait, really?" Duck asked.
"Yep, I learned about it during a prerequisite class in college," Katjaa smiled, "It's one of the few things I remember from that boring lecture."
"Ooh, my parents went to college too!" Clementine spoke up with a smile, "What did you study?"
"I studied animal medicine to become a veterinarian," Katjaa revealed, stroking the top of Duck's head in a motherly fashion. "It took a few years, but it was worth it. It's how Kenny and I met."
"Oh yeah! I remember now! Dad brought a sick octopus into your office, right? During one of his fishing trips?" Duck questioned with childlike wonder in his eyes.
"He did. Then a few laters, you popped out," Katjaa joked, motherly warmth in her tone.
"That's so sweet!" Clementine gushed, clasping both hands together. She imagined the scenario in her mind, finding it romantic.
"You never would've guessed it at the time, but Kenny was quite the soft man." The mother adjusted herself, scooping Duck into her lap. The boy squirmed at first, but eventually caved to his mother's actions. "He stayed with me as we treated the octopus back to health. It feels like yesterday when I first met him."
Clementine smiled. She could hear the fondness and love in Katjaa's tone as she talked about her husband. It reminded her of how her parents would speak about one another. They seemed to be a good, honest family.
"By the way, your hat-" Duck began only to falter. His body tensed as everyone heard a loud, metallic shriek ring out. It was loud enough to make him cover his ears, his eyes closing from the sound.
SCREECH!
Clementine and Katjaa felt a shiver run down their spines. Whatever had made that noise was loud enough for them to hear it. It echoed wildly, soundwaves rocketing out of the base.
They held their breath, wondering what would happen. And at first, it seemed like it was a one-time incident. As if nothing would come from it.
Then, they heard it.
"...grhal! Mnnho!"
Those low grunts made Clementine clasp a hand on her mouth, "W-Walkers!"
It looked like a manageable herd at first. Only a dozen or so walkers could be seen passing by, their position revealed by the shattered windows. They came from the other end of the building, opposite to where their group had entered from.
Their hearts dropped when they realized this herd wasn't alone. Another set of metal doors was toppled, walkers spilling out over each other. They growled and roared, walking with heavy stomps.
"Those idiots attracted every walker in the damn base!" Naruto thought with alarm, throwing the dictionary behind him. His heart pulsed, looking over at the worried expressions of the people next to him. The walkers weren't walking toward them; instead, they were walking deeper into the building.
Straight toward their people. Straight toward Lee. They would get trapped and die if nobody acted.
Without wasting a moment, Naruto rushed inside. His eyes narrowed, his sandals pounding against the asphalt. He ignored the surprised shouts behind him, grabbing the switchblade in his pocket.
"Naruto! Wait!" Clementine's eyes widened, worried for her friend. She tried to follow him, only for Katjaa to pull her back. "No! He needs help!"
"It's too dangerous, honey!" Katjaa affirmed, her voice dripping with worry. She wanted to hold back Naruto as well, but he had sprinted long before she could react. Her stomach churned as his frame got smaller and smaller. He truly planned on getting in there deep.
Duck stumbled backward, glancing left and right. He was at a loss. The number of walkers was overwhelming his brain.
At the far end of the side corridor, half-hidden in shadow, Naruto stood. His frame small, his hair messy, and his conviction unwavering. There was no fear in his eyes, only focus.
His body didn't follow the same rules as everything else. He moved swiftly, chakra flowing through his body.
The first walker lunged at him. Naruto slipped it, a flash of steel showing his switchblade digging into the side of its skull. He pulled it free a second later, ducking under another grasping hand.
No panic. No hesitation. Just movement.
"HEY!" His voice shouted, clouded with a small accent. The noise was enough to make most of the walkers turn around, snarling with decomposed faces.
It was a taunt that worked. His posture was loose and fluid. Every last one of them had been drawn by the sound. The dead funneled after him, slowly clearing the hallway they blocked.
He tore away rotten limbs, smacking them back into the infected. Naruto wasn't afraid to use his environment, kicking a table into a horde of ten walkers. Their grunts were silenced as they turned into a dark smudge, organs and brains spilling out.
His leg kicked off the wall, jumping over three walkers that tried to swipe at him. He threw the switchblade, enhanced by his chakra. In one toss, it managed to spear each of the walker's heads. They dropped like a sack of potatoes, bringing a smile to Naruto's face.
Compared to the ANBU he had to outrun, these walkers were nothing. Keeping out of their swiping range was easy enough for him. His body quickly picked up the switchblade and yanked it out, wiping the blood on his pants.
More and more walkers shuffled closer. They tried to entrap him; thankfully, he was quick enough to ensure that didn't happen.
Slowly but surely, more walkers fell to his hands. First it was four, then eight, then twelve. Naruto was like a killing machine, blood splattering across his face and clothes. It smelled horrible, and his nostrils burned from the pungent smell, but he persevered. He had to.
As he made a mess of limbs and corpses, Naruto finally caught a glimpse of Lee down the hall. They were surrounded by a horde of walkers taking up space. The older man seemed to have a heart attack at the sight of his bloody form.
"Naruto?!"
Before Naruto could respond, he heard the shuffling of feet behind him. With a quick turn of his head, he dodged a swipe. Narrowing his eyes, he shoved his switchblade under the dead man's jaw. It thoroughly scrambled his brain, falling forward when Naruto pulled out his blade.
Lee was quick to pull out his pistol, shooting a few walkers heading toward Naruto. They fell as he fired bullet after bullet, "Help me clear the hallway! We need to move!"
Carley and Lilly were quick to help him, pulling out their own pistols. They fired off numerous rounds, creating a large pile of corpses on the floor. They worked in conjunction, eyes narrowed and sharp.
When Mike, Larry, Kenny, and Doug finally caught up, they witnessed the carnage. Kenny was the first to speak up over the gunfire, "We gotta go! We're only attractin' more of those fuckers with the gun shots!"
Lee knew that the number of walkers they were facing now was a lot, but if the rest of the base came this way, they really would be overwhelmed. After shooting the walkers blocking their path, he shouted, "Let's go! Watch your step!"
Lee, Carley, and Lilly were the first ones to sprint down the hall. Even with the increased weight on their backs, they didn't falter. They shot any walker that twitched on the floor as they ran. No use in risking it.
Larry and Kenny were next. Since they held most of the duffel bags for the group, they lagged slightly behind. They grunted, trying their best not to trip on the pile of dead bodies. It was rather difficult for the two men.
Mark was next, holding a duffel bag of his own. He regulated his breathing, getting as much oxygen into his lungs. He jumped over the sections of the hallway that were practically stacked with walkers.
Finally, Doug began making his way down the hall. He tried not to slip on the blood leaking from the corpses, finding it hard to do so. After slipping on a fresh puddle, he balanced himself by pressing on the wall. Unknown to him, he had placed his foot next to a dying walker.
It didn't waste time in lurching forward, taking a bite at his ankle.
CRUNCH!
"GGGAAAHH! F-FUCK!"
The group turned around, watching as Doug stomped his foot into the walker's skull. It twitched before ceasing, falling still. They watched as the pudgy man hissed in pain, grabbing his foot. "That damn thing bit me!"
"You gotta keep movin'!" Kenny called out from the front, adjusting the bag on his shoulder, "We're almost out!"
Nodding his head, Doug tried to put weight on his injured foot. He ignored the grotesque-looking bite mark on his flesh, a set of teeth marks that made his skin crawl. Just knowing that one of those creatures had placed its mouth on him made him sick.
Naruto continued to slash and kill, dropping any walker that blocked their path. He watched as the group slowly got closer to the exit, breathing heavily and watching their step.
"Go, go, go!" Lee ordered, something that Naruto understood. He sheathed his switchblade, running outside with the group. They made it back to the SUV, loading up much of the supplies.
"Katjaa, grab Duck and move!" Kenny shouted, "We need to pack up these bags and fucking go!"
His wife followed his instructions, stepping out of the way. Clementine watched as the adults stuffed their bags and duffel bags into the trunk of the vehicle. It looked much fuller than it did before.
"Oh my gosh, you grabbed so much! That's good, right?" She asked, glancing up at Lee who slung his backpack onto the pile.
"Yeah, it is sweet pea," He answered honestly, "This will keep us going way longer than a week."
Each bag, labeled in bright letters, was stuffed on top of the others. It was nice to get much of that heavy weight off their backs. Their small achievement was forgotten as Doug stumbled, leaning against the vehicle.
"Guys...I feel hot..." He mumbled, a certain gray shade flooding his skin. He looked to be running a fever.
Before they could respond, the group heard more growls coming from the base. They turned their heads, seeing a few dozen walkers making their way to the group.
"Everyone, in the car!" Lee announced, grabbing the car keys. "Kenny, you and your family can stay in the back! Squeeze in!"
Kenny nodded.
The survivors were quick to shut the hatch and shuffle their way inside. The engine hummed to life as Lee looked over his shoulder, shifting the gear into reverse. The wheels squeeled, quickly getting them back onto the road.
"What the hell happened back there? Why were we being flooded by walkers?" Larry spoke up from the back. He eyed Naruto warily, almost as if accusing him of having something to do with it.
"There was a loud noise from inside. Whatever that was alerted the herd," Katjaa spoke up with a frown, holding Duck in her lap. "Naruto went in to buy you some time."
"Holy shit, for real?" Kenny blinked, looking at the blonde. He cracked a genuine grin, happy to know that the child was quick to act. "Gotta hand it to you kid, distractin' those things probably saved our lives."
"Loud noise?" Lee asked while keeping his eyes on the road.
Carley snapped her fingers in realization, keeping Clementine situated on her lap, "The shelf that scraped against the floor! Before we entered the armory! That's what did it!"
Larry paused, a brief hue of embarrassment flashing on his face. He had called out Naruto, only to realize it was his actions that caused them issues. It was humiliating for the proud man.
Doug groaned from the back, holding his head. Kenny, sitting right next to him, glanced at him with caution. Having the four of them back there made the ride quite stuffy.
"Where now?" Carley asked. They hadn't thought this far ahead in the plan.
"Well, we were supposed to drop off Kenny somewhere safe..." Lee reminded. He knew his word was all he had in this world, and he hadn't forgotten his deal.
Kenny seemed to perk up at this, "Hey man, it's fine. Let's just find somewhere to crash from now and go from there." He had originally wanted to leave, but seeing how capable this group was, it changed his perspective. He felt like he could protect his family a lot better with people like this on his side.
"In that case, I was thinking we could stop at a lakeside campground. It's only a thirty-minute drive from here," Lee pointed out, "My family used to stay at it during small vacations. It's rural and out there, so we might get lucky. I'm hoping there aren't as many walkers there."
"You sure that's the best idea?" Lilly asked from the back.
"It's what we got for now, let's head there and plan our next steps," Mark added, sitting next to Katja. It was a struggle being squished in between so many people, but he would endure it for now.
While the adults talked, Naruto stared at Doug's form. He looked...bad. He wanted to do something to ease the pain. To help the man. And yet he couldn't. Nothing he could do would take away the pain he was feeling.
Nothing except death. That realization made his stomach churn.
The drive toward the campground was filled with silence, occasionally interrupted by Doug's ragged breathing.
...
The sound of a soft, weakening wheeze broke the silence.
"...Pull over."
Heads turned in the direction of the voice. They looked at Doug's slouched form, hearing his ragged gasps. It sounded almost inhuman.
"We're only ten minutes away from the campground..." Lee mentioned.
Lilly chose to add her perspective as well, "We're in the middle of nowhere right now. Just wait for the ten minutes until we get there."
"Just...Just pull over. P-Please," Doug repeated. The desperation and sadness leaked through his tone for them to hear.
Looking into the rear-view mirror, Lee saw the reactions of his group. Larry, Lilly, and Mark had looks of realization. As if they knew what needed to be done but didn't want to say it out loud.
Katjaa, Duck, and Clementine almost seemed to squirm at Doug's condition. As if it reminded them of what was outside. A break from their little safe space in the car.
Naruto and Carley looked like they wanted to help. To heal. To relieve Doug of his situation with a power they didn't have. It was truly saddening to Lee's heart.
"Alright, let me find a spot," Lee responded. He drove for a few more miles, clenching the steering wheel a little tighter. Even now, surviving until this point, didn't take away the lump in his throat.
Coming up to an intersection, Lee decided that this would be the best he would get. He slowly rolled the vehicle to a stop, pulling over to the side of the road. He glanced over to Carley a final time. "Keep the engine running. I'll be back soon."
"Let me out..." Doug requested in a faint tone. The others didn't argue, choosing to stand up and make their way out. One by one, Katjaa, Kenny, Duck, Naruto, and Mark stood on overgrown weeds. The wind rushed through their hair and clothes as Doug stumbled out of the car.
Lee also chose to step out, closing the driver's door behind him. He watched as Doug stumbled further into the wilderness, nearly falling a few times. The man's gaze hardened, "Duck. Naruto. You two head back into the car."
"What? But I want to-"
"He's right, Duck. Get inside with your mother, this won't take long," Kenny added with a fatherly tone. Duck looked as if he wanted to argue, but his father's firm stare shut that down.
"You don't have to come; you can stay with them," Lee recommended.
Kenny shook his head, determination in his voice, "You helped me back there, so let me help you with this." They were simple words, but honest. Lee appreciated it more than Kenny realized.
"C'mon, honey," Katjaa led her son by the hand. Naruto looked over at Lee, watching the man's warm gaze stare back at him. The older man gave a gentle nod before Naruto returned it, understanding the silent message.
"You too, kiddo," Mark clapped a hand on Naruto's shoulder, gesturing him back inside. He also followed suit.
"The burden of being a leader...it isn't easy..." Naruto thought with a shake of his head. He knew what would be done to Doug.
As the others settled in, Kenny and Lee began walking after Doug. Suddenly, Carley opened the door and followed them.
"I want...No, I need to see him. One last time," She assured, breathing out through her nose. Neither Kenny or Lee argued, choosing to keep their pace.
When the trio finally came across the stocky-built man, they found him slumped against a rock. He had walked through the treeline, ensuring that everybody in the vehicle couldn't see what would happen.
"I thought about it..." Doug huffed, one hand on his chest as if feeling his heart rate. His other hand was slumped by his side, no longer having the strength to move on its own. "...I didn't want to die in that car. Sunlight and fresh air are way better than...than a dusty car smell..."
Carley chuckled, wiping a tear that formed in her eye. Kenny and Lee wore faint grins, trying to keep the mood light.
"We all know...what happens to someone that gets bit..." Doug huffed, his half-lidded eyes occasionally blinking. "I'm no good to anybody as one of those monsters..."
Lee closed his eyes. Kenny curled his lips into a frown. Carley bit back the sob she wanted to cry out. It wasn't easy for any of them to see Doug like this.
"D-Doug...I never got to say this, but thank you. You really helped me escape when this all started," Carley huffed out, straightening her pencil skirt. Tears slowly rolled down her face as she powered through. "...Thank you."
"I just did what anybody would've done...I know...Lee would've done that too..." Doug smiled faintly, reaching for his waist. The trio saw him retrieve a large knife, wrapped in a dark sheath. It looked sturdy and intimidating. "I found this...it's a good knife. Give it to, huff~, somebody that'll use it...Don't forget my backpack either..."
Lee reached for the weapon, staring at the item. It would be the last thing he would have from the man. Something that proved he once existed in this cruel world.
Looking down at the bite on his leg, Kenny shook his head. He had just met these people, but they were good-natured. People that you wanted around you during these trying times.
"Goddamn' it...!" The father grumbled, kicking a nearby rock. It just wasn't fair. One slip, one mistake, was all it took to kill you. Surviving was brutal, and he was seeing the effects of it.
"I'm...getting tired..." Doug breathed out a final time, closing his eyes. The pain coursing through his body was slowly dying out, and his organs felt like they were failing. "Don't...let me suffer...please..."
Lee opened his mouth only to have Carley interrupt him, "We won't. I promise."
She stood strong, clearly distraught by the death of someone she considered a friend. If he wanted a quick, painless death, she would oblige him.
The group stood there, in the wilderness of Georgia, with nothing but sunlight as wind accompanying them. Time passed as they stared at their fallen comrade, whose chest was barely rising at this point. If it wasn't for that, it would've seemed that Doug was already dead.
Finally, when the acceptance settled in their souls, they acted. It was a moment that transformed them more than killing any walker would. A moment that showed if you weren't careful, you could lose close friends. The true first loss they had to deal with. A reminder of what leadership was responsible for.
And in that moment, Doug was put at peace.