The Walking Dead: The Decimation of Mankind

Chapter 11: epilogue

Hey everyone, Assassin's Creed Master here with a big announcement that you may want to read before continuing with the story.

This is the final chapter to my new story. I was hoping it would be a little longer to be honest, but truth is, I ran out of ideas so this will serve as the ending of the story. Not only that, but I am retiring from writing now. This is my final story and after this, I will be writing no more. I have dreams that I wish to follow. It's been a good run and I enjoyed being here in the short time I did, and I would like to thank each and everyone of you for sticking with me during my time here. Thank you.

With that being said, for the final time, ladies and gentlemen...

Enjoy the chapter.

Now that Lee, Clementine and Sarah were finished checking out their new home, they picked up AJ and proceeded next door to join the rest of their friends and see how they were settling in too. At perfect timing, both half of the groups exited their homes simultaneously and walked to greet one another.

"How's your home?" Lee asked them while placing his hands into his pockets.

"It's great. Better than great, actually." Bonnie answered with a satisfied expression. "How about you four? What's your home like?"

"Nice living room, kitchen, three bedrooms including a crib for AJ and a bathroom." Lee described their home to the others. "Everything works too. This place is like paradise."

"Amen to that." Luke agreed with a nod. He placed his hands upon his hips and looked around for a brief moment. "Any of ya'll up for taking a look around this place?"

"I'm good with that." Lee agreed. After all, if this was their home from now on, then it would be a good idea to get to know the layout of the area. "Let's go."

The reunited group made certain to lock the doors of their home before going to look around the community for a while. Clementine was carrying AJ and for once, she did not have to keep looking over her shoulder to make certain no walkers were going to sneak up behind them.

The community was mostly filled with houses of the same design and layout, but there were some other buildings too. There was a watchtower too to keep an eye out for walkers or bandits that was placed behind the community. That way, they didn't have the worry about no-one sneaking up behind them.

There was an average size one story building that was the medical building for the injured. That was more than likely where Mike was resting from his injuries. Nearby that building was a cafeteria where they could see people eating some real food for once.

"I would kill for a burger right now." Luke admitted while he looked like he was about to pass out.

Lee chuckled and placed a hand upon his shoulder to steady him before they continued looking around. Nearby, they noticed a small park for children too. This made Sarah remember her time with her father. When she was younger, Carlos and his wife Astrid would always take Sarah to the park. How she missed them both.

There was a church nearby where Lee noticed a couple of priests walking inside with some of the Valford residents with them. It was nice to see that people still believed in the good Lord and Heaven along with Hell for the sinners.

The final building they came across was the armory where they kept all of their weapons. Lee looked inside for a brief moment and looked surprised to see how many weapons they owned. Pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, snipers, even RPG's and other explosive weapons. If this place ever came under attack, they were definitely prepared. They weren't kidding when they mentioned on the sign they were armed and dangerous.

Now they were finished looking around the community. That's when the group decided to go and check on Mike to see how he was holding up.

"Let's go and check on Mike." Lee suggested as they approached the small hospital.

Along the way, they came across Axel again who was walking with a different man this time. He was wearing a military outfit along with a military cap, while they could not see his full hair; they could tell his hair was black. He looked around in his late 40's and stood at around six-foot-three.

Axel noticed the new members of their community approaching and decided to introduce them to his second-in-command soon. "Hello again, Lee. How are you and your friends settling in?"

"We're settling in great, thanks." Lee answered with a nod. "We were just on our way to that hospital to check on Mike."

"Of course." Axel nodded, but before they left, he introduced the other military soldier standing next to him. "Lee, I would like you to meet Colonel Redford; my second-in-command and head of security here. He was in charge of the soldiers that were have stationed here. When all this began, the Colonel and I helped one another by building this community."

Lee nodded and offered a hand shake the bigger man. "Please to meet you, Colonel."

"Likewise, son." Redford agreed, accepting his handshake with a firm group. He spoke with a southern accent "I trust you and your companions here will help contribute to Valford if you can?"

"No problem." Lee nodded. It was the least they could do for being allowed to stay in this community. "We all have experience with guns and how to handle walkers or people for that matter."

Redford processed Lee's words and crossed his arms. "Well I'll have to see that in action before I can believe you, Lee, but I'm certain I can take your word for it in time. In Valford, it's all about following the rules here. I'm a man strictly followed to military protocol. Rules are what keep things in order and keep's everyone within these walls safe."

Lee could definitely tell the Colonel was one of those people who truly stuck to the book of the military, but that was a good thing, especially in these times. "I take your word for that, Colonel. One day, some of us should company you outside. Then you can take our word for what we're capable of."

"I agree. That will be for another time though." Redford agreed while he took out a pump-action shotgun from his holster. "Until next time, son." the Colonel walked away and called out to a few of the soldiers who were waiting by a military truck. "MEN! Prepare to move out!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the marines followed his orders and prepared themselves for a supply run.

The Colonel led his men outside of Valford. Lee watched and somewhat had the feeling it may be a little difficult to work with the Colonel and his trust, but that was for another day. For now, they just wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet while they had it.

"Don't mind the Colonel, Lee. That's just how he is." Axel assured him. "He can act a bit tough sometimes, but he's a good soldier and kept this place safe from outsiders. Well, don't let me keep you. You may go and see your friend."

"Thank you." Lee thanked and proceeded towards the medical building. "Let's go."

Everyone walked inside the hospital, but they had no idea which room Mike was in. That was until someone working there spoke up from reception.

"You must be the new people." he assumed while he grabbed a chart. "Are you looking for a patiently named...Mike? Recently attacked by a bear?"

"Yes, that's him!" Bonnie answered almost a little too excited.

"Mind telling us which room he's in?" Lee requested.

"Certainly. He's in room 141, just down the hallway there." the receptionist instructed. "Go on ahead."

Lee thanked him and their group walked down the hallways until they located room 141. Along the way, they noticed a few more patients in rooms where some of them were hooked up to life support machines. It was safe to say this place definitely had electricity and power.

The group found the room and walked inside to see Mike resting in a medical bed half-awake. He now had proper medical bandages around his stomach until his injuries were healed and he was able to move again.

"Mike." Bonnie greeted as she took a seat beside him. The others stood nearby watching. "How you feeling?"

"Bonnie?" Mike mumbled as he opened his eyes fully to see his friends standing in the same room. He had no idea where they were, this was probably the first time he woke up after the bear incident. "Where are we?"

"We're in Valford, Mike." Lee answered. "This is a safe zone with good people. We even got our own houses to share. You were unconscious for a while."

Mike chuckled for a moment while trying his best to keep his eyes open for a while. "We did it then. We found somewhere safe."

"That's right." Lee confirmed with a nod. "We just came to check on you, Mike. You get some rest and you'll be better in no time."

Mike did not respond. Instead, he closed his eyes and drifted back off to sleep, resting from his injuries. The group quietly made their way out of the room and allowed Mike to rest. Now that their worries were over and they knew he was going to be fine, the group decided to get something to eat from that cafeteria nearby.

"I can't wait for some real food." Lee admitted as they approached the cafeteria desk.

"Hi there." someone who worked behind the desk greeted. "I've never seen you people here before. Can I get you all something to eat?"

"We're new, but we'd love something, thanks." Lee requested while he looked at the menu above. "How does the food here work?"

"People may come here three times a day during the morning, the afternoon and the night to eat." the worker answered in a simple tone.

Now that was settled, the group picked out what food they wanted and sat on a table together outside to eat. They never imagined eating hot food again in this day and age, but none of them were complaining, especially Luke who was almost devouring his burger.

Lee only chuckled as he took a sip of soda. He chose something healthy to eat: a cheese sandwich with salad. He would usually pack this type of food to eat whenever he went to work during lunch time. That reminded me: he had not yet seen a school here. Maybe Axel and the Colonel might consider setting one up if they the time and the room.

After the group were finished eating, they agreed to part ways for the day and do their own activities for a while and then meet up back home. Lee went with Clementine, AJ and Jane while Luke went with Sarah and Bonnie to look around.

Lee was passing some houses until he noticed a woman putting some trash into a trashcan outside.

She looked around his age and her ethnicity looked to be Caucasian-American. She had brown hair and wore a white shirt with blue jeans. "Hi there. You just moved in Valford?"

"That's right." Lee confirmed as he approached the woman. He offered her a handshake. "My name's Lee. This is Clementine, AJ and Jane."

"Please to meet you all. My name's Marlene." Marlene introduced herself to these new strangers. "What a cute little baby. Is he yours?"

With the mention of that question, Lee looked somewhat sad as the memories of Alvin and Rebecca perishing from this world flashed before his eyes. "No, his real parents...Died. We were all together for a long time, but now they're gone. I'm taking care of him now."

Marlene seemed to understand and nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that. I know it's hard to lose the ones you care about. I lost my brothers and sister when all this began. It's just me and my uncle now."

"I'm sorry for your loss." Lee sympathized with her since everyone present had lost someone they loved. "We've all lost someone. I just hope here at Valford, we don't have to put up with any of this shit anymore."

"I've been here for a year now and I can assure you, it's never been attacked once." Marlene reassured them. "Here you don't have to fear the outside world anymore. You're safe now."

Lee processed her words. He would like to believe that, he really would, but after all they have been through, how much they've lost, could he ever go back to feeling safe. It may take some time until they adjust to their life here, but what thing's for certain is that they never intended to go back out there. "Thank you. I hope we'll be good neighbors here."

"I'm sure we will." Lee agreed with a nod. "I guess we'll catch you around sometime, Marlene. We're going to meet some of the other neighbors."

Marlene bid them farewell before going back into her home. Lee, Clementine, AJ and Jane continued to look around the neighborhood for a little while longer, see if they could meet anyone else along the way.

As they were walking, Jane picked up the pace a little to walk at the same speed level as Lee. "So how you liking this place so far? I never imagined we'd be someone so civilized again."

"Amen to that." Lee agreed. "I love this place. This exactly where I want to be for the rest of my life. We're safe here; we don't need to worry about anything anymore. We can finally settle down without worrying about the walkers or people."

Jane might have a little more trouble adapting to this place since she was not use to so many people around her. In the past, she always preferred to work alone but now she was back and was beginning to change. It may take some time, but she felt confident she would adjust in time.

Nighttime had arrived and it was time for the residents of Valford to rest for the night. When Lee, Clementine, Sarah and AJ got back to their home, they were ready for bed after a long day of exploring and adjusting to Valford. Lee remembered to lock the door behind him, but it's not like no-one was going to break in and steal stuff.

Lee tucked Clementine into bed and planted a kiss on top of her forehead. "Goodnight Clementine."

"Goodnight Lee." Clementine smiled as she closed her eyes and began to drift away into a peaceful sleep.

Lee went into Sarah's room next and tucked her in too despite her age. He planted a kiss on her forehead too. "Goodnight Sarah."

"Night Lee." Sarah replied with a smile. Before he left, she called out to him. "Lee?"

"Yes?" Lee replied as he froze in his steps.

"Thank you." Sarah thanked out of the blue.

Lee arched his eyebrows in confusion. "For what?"

"For keeping me safe, for teaching me how to protect myself and teaching me that I can be strong." Sarah explained. All of her words were honest. If it were not for Lee, then who's to say what could have happened to her? She more than likely would have died under that observation deck.

Lee only smiled in response as he turned off her light and closed her door. He had fed AJ and put him to sleep too before it was time for him to head to bed himself. He sat down at the end of his bed and began to think some things over before going to sleep himself.

From this point forward, he could finally keep Clementine and the others safe without having to keep looking over his shoulder every minute. He would never have to worry about any of his friends dying from the walkers or people for that matter. Now promises could finally be made and kept.

Despite his efforts however, he could not help but think back to all of his friends he met and survived with since the apocalypse had begun from the very beginning. Too many people had either died, went missing, remained unknown, or worse, had reanimated into walkers.

"Lee, remember when we were in the drugstore and I said I liked Doug in a parent's basement sort of way? Well, I like you in a similar way except a little more past a parent's basement way."...Carley...

"They eat you, and whatever is left comes back as one of them."...Doug...

"Yeah, and when I find them, I'm gonna ring their fuckin' bell."...Kenny...

"That's really sweet, Lee."...Katjaa...

"You're the greatest detective and I can be Dick Grayson! Your ward!... That's Robin."...Duck...

"I'm a murderer?!" You've had Lee with you this whole time!"...Lilly...

"Don't...eat...dinner..."...Mark...

"We don't need all these VOTES! What do I have to do for you to TRUST me? I'll do ANYTHING!"...Ben...

"Goddamn, you guys have a kid!"...Omid...

"Wonderful. You two will be thick as thieves."...Christa...

"Ya'll want some candy?"...Chuck...

"But I'd rather make the wrong call and know, than make the right call and not."...Glenn...

"I'm sure. There's nothing to fear if you remain calm. I'll keep you safe."...Carlos...

"We came across this beautiful buck just standing there. The boy aims his rifle just like I taught him, he had a great shot, but then I hear him start wining, "I can't do it, I can't do it, Uncle Pete, please don't make me shoot it."."...Pete...

"Hey, Lee. Sorry if I have you some shit back there. I'm just a little on edge. It's just tough time right now with the pregnancy and all. You and Alvin and probably relate."...Rebecca...

"Thank you. This means...Thank you, Lee."...Nick...

"Thanks, Lee. I'm glad you, Carley and Clementine are with us."...Alvin...

"I expect you have used that to your advantage."...Walter...

"Good King Winceslas. It's my favorite Christmas song."...Sarita...

"I see at least one group a day move through here. You all look the same. It's like a great migration of the dazed and confused."...Matthew...

"Your family is safer here."...Reggie...

It's difficult to believe how many friends and family Lee had met and lost. One day he hoped that everything that he and his friends...No, not his friends, his family...He hoped one day that everything that he and his family had been through could be put behind them. Valford was their home now, a home they were going to stay at for the rest of their lives.

Lee had the feeling from this point forward that everything was going to be okay after all.

You hold your every breath
but life is for the living, in the water (Oooooo)
You feel that you should run, but where are you to hide
in the water. (Oooooo)

Against the tide we struggle with the skin we're in, the skin we're in
Against the tide we struggle
to keep our heads above the deep
and our hearts above the lie.

Above the lie.

You vow your life and blood
but this is not our home
in the water (Oooooo)
Our hope here's never found
just try and keep your way
in the water (Oooooo)

Against the tide we struggle with the skin we're in, the skin we're in
Against the tide we struggle
to keep our heads above the deep
and our hearts above the lie.

Above the lie.

With who we are today
could never make amends for what we've done
tainted blood
His eyes, his eyes are full of love
forgive them
release them.

Oooooo
Oooooo
Aaaaaaa
Oooooo
Aaaoooo

Against the tide we struggle with the skin we're in, the skin we're in
Against the tide we struggle
to keep our heads above the deep
and our hearts above the lie.

Above the lie.

The end. This concludes the end to the trilogy of this Walking Dead story and is the last story I will ever write. I'd like to give a huge shoutout to Legionary Prime for use of his OC Colonel Redford. Thanks dude. With that being said, good luck to all you writers out there and never let anyone get you down. Keep triyng and you'll meet you dreams. For the last time, ladies and gentlemen...Ciao.

Assassin's Creed Master out.

Disclaimer: The Walking Dead is owned by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Telltale Games.

The cast:

Dave Fennoy voice of Lee Everett

Melissa Hutchison voice of Clementine

Louisa Mackintosh voice of Sarah

Scott Porter voice of Luke

Erin Yvette voice of Bonnie

Dan White voice of Mike

Christine Lakin voice of Jane

Nicole Vigil voice of Carley (flashback)

Sam Joan voice of Doug (flashback)

Gavin Hammon voice of Kenny (flashback)

Cissy Jones voice of Katjaa (flashback)

Max Kaufman voice of Kenny Jr. "Duck" (flashback)

Nikki Rapp voice of Lilly (flashback)

Mark Middleton voice of Mark (flashback)

Trevor Hoffmann voice of Ben Paul (flashback)

Owen Thomas voice of Omid (flashback)

Mara Junot voice of Christa (flashback)

Roger Jackson voice of Charles "Chuck"

Nick Herman voice of Glenn (flashback)

Andrew "Kid Beyond" Chaikin voice of Carlos (flashback)

Brian Sommer voice of Peter Joseph Randall (flashback)

Shay Moore voice of Rebecca (flashback)

Brian Bremer voice of Nick (flashback)

Dorian Lockett voice of Alvin (flashback)

Kiff VandenHeuvel voice of Walter (flashback)

Julia Farmer voice of Sarita (flashback)

Wylie Herman voice of Matthew (flashback)

Kumail Nanjiani voice of Rajeev "Reggie" (flashback)