The Apocalypse

34

"How did they make them? You're not making sense, sweetie," Sophie asked Maeve softly, concern evident in her voice.
"I don't remember correctly. I'm trying to remember," Maeve replied, looking up through her lashes, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sophie gave her a reassuring smile. "It's alright. We know enough."
Maurits interjected, his voice steady and confident. "I think most of the bad men died from the walkers—from their own experiments—but some survived and are trying to complete it. We just need to find the herd, take control, and then when they come, because they probably will come, we'll be ready for them."
"But how would they find Maeve or you?" Dylan asked, popping a grape into his mouth.
Maurits sighed, his expression serious. "You don't know what power or knowledge they still have. These people were involved in dangerous experiments. If any of them survived, they could have access to resources and information we can't even imagine. They might have ways to track us."
Maeve shivered slightly at the thought, and Maurits tightened his hold on her. "We'll stay vigilant," he said firmly. "We can't underestimate them."
Dylan swallowed his grape and nodded thoughtfully. "We can set up some traps around the perimeter. Make it difficult for anyone to sneak up on us."
I'm gonna cook now. What do you want to eat?" Maeve asked the group, looking around for suggestions.
"Doesn't matter, you always cook lovely," Dylan said with a wink. His smile quickly faded when he noticed the deathly stare of Maurits.
Maeve giggled, amused by the exchange. Maurits, unable to keep a straight face, smiled as well. He playfully pinched her sides, causing her to stop giggling and stand up, though a smile remained on her face.
"Alright, then. I'll surprise you," Maeve said, heading towards the kitchen.
"Looking forward to it," Sophie called after her, giving her an encouraging smile.
Maeve began gathering ingredients, her mind focused on preparing a meal that would lift everyone's spirits. She felt a sense of peace in the kitchen, a stark contrast to the turmoil outside their safe haven. Cooking allowed her to channel her energy into something positive, and she cherished the moments when she could provide comfort through food.
Maurits entered the kitchen, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Need any help, darling?"
Maeve shook her head, leaning into his embrace for a moment. "I've got it under control. Just make sure everyone's ready to eat."
"Will do," he said, kissing her neck before heading back to the others.
As she finished cooking, Maeve set the table, arranging the food with care. The simple act of sharing a meal brought a sense of normalcy, a brief respite from the constant threat of walkers and the looming danger from Maeve's past.
"Dinner's ready," she announced, and the group quickly gathered around the table.
.
Maeve sat on the porch outside, her bow resting beside her. The others were inside, but Maurits sat on a stool behind her, watching over her with a protective gaze. Her eyes scanned the area, her ears alert for any sounds.
Humming a soft tune, she suddenly stilled, noticing movement near the barn. Without hesitation, she picked up her bow, pulled back the string, and let the arrow fly. It found its mark—a rabbit in a hole beside the barn.
"Good shot, darling," Maurits praised, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched her.
Maeve turned her head slightly, acknowledging his compliment with a small smile. "Thank you," she replied softly, her eyes still focused on the area around the barn. She stood up and walked over to retrieve her arrow and the rabbit. Maurits grabbed the rabbit before she could and pulled out the arrow cleaning it in de grond before his clothing. She smiled brightly taking the arrow back.
Suddenly, the first shapes began to emerge from the trees. Maeve's heart skipped a beat as she recognized them—the herd she belonged to. They shuffled forward, pressing against the electric fence, their growls not the typical menacing sound but something almost like a greeting.
Maeve instinctively stepped back, colliding with Maurits' chest. He steadied her, his hands firm on her shoulders. "Easy, darling," he murmured, sensing her fear.
Her eyes were wide with a mix of recognition and terror. "Maurits, it's them," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I see them," Maurits replied calmly, though his eyes were sharp, taking in the situation. "Stay close to me."
The walkers continued to push against the fence, their movements slow and almost methodical. It was clear they weren't driven by the usual hunger but by some other force—perhaps a remnant of their connection to Maeve.
"What do they want?" Maeve asked, her voice barely audible.
Maurits glanced down at her, his expression serious. "I think they're here for you, Maeve. They recognize you."
She nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "What should we do?"
Maurits took a moment to think, his mind racing through the possibilities. "We need to see how they react to you. If you can control them, it might give us an advantage."
Maeve swallowed hard, nodding. "A-A-Alright," she said, her voice gaining a bit of strength. She took a step forward, Maurits' hand still on her shoulder, grounding her.
She raised her hand, trying to recall the techniques she had used before. "S-s-s"
"Calmly darling, think of your words and say them clearly and with authority!"
She took a deep breath before opening her mouth. "Stay," she commanded softly, her voice steadying as she spoke.
The walkers hesitated, their growls quieting as they seemed to respond to her command. They stopped pushing against the fence, standing still and watching her.
Maurits' grip on her shoulder tightened slightly in encouragement. "You're doing great, Maeve. Keep going."
Maeve took another step forward, her confidence growing. "B-Back," she said firmly, motioning with her hand.
The walkers began to shuffle backward, complying with her command. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling a mix of relief and empowerment.
Maurits smiled, proud of her. "See? You can do this."
She turned to look at him, her eyes still wide but now filled with determination. "I-I can," she agreed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
She slowly turned to the them and nodded walking beside the fence and they followed her slowly.
"Thank you for following my command." she thanked them. Making Maurits smile for her kindness even to the undead.