Chapter 46: After the Storm
An hour passed before Rick finally called for a stop.
The narrow logging road had long since disappeared beneath a canopy of towering pines, hiding the convoy from the abandoned highway. Thick underbrush surrounded them on every side, muffling the sounds of the outside world.
The engines fell silent one by one.
For several long seconds...
No one moved.
No growls.
No pounding fists.
No shuffling footsteps.
Only the gentle rustling of leaves in the afternoon breeze.
Rick climbed out of the lead RV, scanning the tree line with his revolver still in hand. His eyes swept slowly across the forest, searching for even the slightest sign that the walkers had followed them.
There was nothing.
Daryl stepped down from his motorcycle, crossbow already resting comfortably in his hands. He studied the woods with narrowed eyes before glancing back toward the road they had traveled.
His brow furrowed.
"That ain't right."
Rick looked over.
"What?"
Daryl shook his head slowly.
"They ain't here."
Glenn frowned.
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Daryl didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he replayed the chase in his mind.
The walkers pouring from the woods.
Groups cutting them off instead of mindlessly following.
Others are waiting ahead.
Every movement had felt...
Intentional.
His expression darkened.
"They weren't chasin' us."
Silence settled over the group.
Michonne looked toward him.
"What do you mean?"
Daryl pointed back toward the direction they had come.
"They kept pushin' us."
He turned toward Rick.
"Every time we tried ta change direction, another group showed up."
Rick's jaw tightened.
"They were herding us."
"Yeah."
Daryl looked uneasily toward the forest.
"They wanted us ta leave."
The realization settled over everyone like a heavy blanket.
Beth wrapped her arms around herself.
"Why would they do that?"
No one had an answer.
The RV door opened behind them.
Kagome stepped outside carrying Caleb, who remained asleep against her shoulder beneath a light blanket.
Carol followed with Judith, resting quietly in her arms.
Rick immediately crossed the distance between them.
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Apocalyptic Love
FanfictionKagome Higurashi has returned from the past and made a choice-to move forward with her life. Graduating at the top of her class, she leaves Japan behind and travels to America to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. For a time, everything feels no...
