Walker? or Zombies? (Walking Dead Game x Strong OC)

Chapter 9: Train To Ride

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Zack inhaled deeply. The air in the cramped RV was heavy, and there was a mix of tension and the smell of stale snacks. Next to him, Clem sat quietly, her wide eyes reflecting the dim light filtering through the windows. The RV was packed with passengers, their faces a mixture of anxiety and determination.

"Zack," Lilly's voice pierced the murmur of conversation, drawing his attention. He turned to see her, his brow furrowed in concern.

"What is it?" he asked, curious about what was weighing on her mind.

"We should leave them here," Lilly suggested, her gaze shifting to the group of teenagers huddled together at the back of the RV. Their expressions revealed a blend of fear and uncertainty.

"You've got to be kidding me! We can't just leave them here!" Carley interjected, her voice rising in disbelief. She shook her head vehemently, her brown hair bouncing slightly with the motion. To her, abandoning the teenagers in the depths of the forest, where danger lurked in every shadow, was unthinkable.

Lee, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement. "I agree with Carley, Lilly. We can't leave them here to fend for themselves. Who knows what might happen to them?" His voice was firm, reflecting his strong sense of responsibility.

Larry, unable to contain himself any longer, stood up, his finger pointed accusingly at Zack. "But look at Zack! He's solid and smart, so why can't these kids be the same? Just let them stay here and figure out how to survive on their own." His tone was harsh as if he believed tough love was the answer.

Zack couldn't help but chuckle at Larry's words, though there was a hint of irritation in his laughter. "I don't think you can use that word, old man. But seriously, as much as I want to leave them behind, it's just not the time for that. So, can everyone please shut the hell up and stop comparing me to them?" He let out a heavy sigh, his weariness evident in every line of his face.

As the others fell silent, Clem leaned her head gently against Zack's shoulder, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You keep your promise, Zack. I'm so happy," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her happiness warmed Zack's heart, especially because he remembered the moment she had made him promise not to abandon those in need. He felt a sense of responsibility toward her and the others, even if it weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Don't get too happy just yet, Clem. Every day is just pushing me closer to the edge," Zack replied with a resigned sigh, aware that his patience was wearing thin. "I really need some rest. Wake me up if you find something interesting." He leaned his head back against the wall of the RV, closing his eyes as the conversations faded into the background.

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Later that day, as tensions simmered and no arguments erupted within the RV, Kenny expertly manoeuvred the vehicle through a maze of shuffling corpses. Suddenly, he spotted something ahead that made him slow down. "Guys, you might want to take a look at this..." he called out, his voice slightly shaky with excitement.

Curious, Lee, Zack, and Lilly moved quickly to the front of the RV. Their eyes widened at the sight before them: a massive freight train stood ominously on the tracks, effectively blocking their route south. Its rusted body bore the scars of years of abandonment, making it both a daunting obstacle and an unexpected opportunity.

Zack's face broke into a wide grin, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Come on, Clem," he exclaimed, a sense of adventure bubbling within him. "We're going to use this train."