prologue

THE WALKING DEAD- a rick grimes fanfic story -

EDITED: 4/6/24 & 4/7/25

started - december 27th, 2023

published - january 1st, 2024

completed - august 25th, 2024

RENAMED: january 14, 2024

ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA📍

  I breathed heavily as I ran through the deep, dark woods, turning my head back every few seconds to see if it was still behind me.

My legs and chest burned as I quickened my pace through the unfamiliar path, tree limbs nearly slapping my skin as I blazed through. The crunch of the leaves, my breathing, and the thumping of my heart were the only sounds I could hear as I tried to grasp the fear and reality of the situation.

I had been running for what felt like hours, days, weeks, but in reality was about 10 minutes. I couldn't remember when or why I decided to run, I tried to put up a fight at first, but then the fear set in. I was in a fight-or-flight situation, and I decided to fly.

All I could think was what would happen if my dad were here, my mom, maybe even Myles. What would they do? Would they fight? Or would they run? Would we even be in this situation?

Pushing them in the back of my mind, I continued sprinting, using my forearms to block away any stray branches in my path, a few small scratches etched on my skin. I turned my head, to only see that although it was far behind, the thing—it—was still chasing me.

Distracted from everything around me, my thoughts swirling, my vision blurry, I suddenly felt myself flying in the air—tripping—my ankle twisting at an angle before my whole body crashed to the ground with a deafening thump.

My body violently crashed to the slick and mud-covered ground, with an agonizing groan and yelp, I glanced down at my thumping ankle that screamed in pain. A whimper left me at the sight of it, already black and blue, and it was twisted at a strange angle—yep that's broken.

I panted out quick breaths, closing my eyes to try to get rid of the uneasy feeling twisting and churning in my stomach. I fell to my side with a moan, using my forearms to help me crawl to a nearby tree.

As I crawled towards the tree, I groaned and gasped in pain, fighting the urge to collapse and cry my eyes out at this unbearable pain.

My dad was right when he said I can't handle pain. I remember always fighting against him, trying to prove a point... oh, how I miss those days.

Before I knew it, my hands found their way to the bottom of the tree, I sighed in relief as I sat up and pushed my back against the tree.

I let out deep breaths, closing my eyes as I relaxed against the wood. My shoulders dropped, I reopened my eyes and quickly turned to take the heavy backpack off my shoulder, scavenging through it as I looked for the one item I needed. I cursed to myself as I looked through my bag, only not to find it.

As I continued my hasty attempt to find it, I heard a branch snap. My body froze immediately, my breathing slowing and I slowly turned my head in the direction of the crunch I had heard. And as I looked to my right, that's when I saw the thing that had been following me, chasing me throughout the woods, leading me to this very moment.

My eyes widened in fear, my one hand still moving around the bag hopefully about to find what I very much needed. The creature continued to approach, it limped and growled as it stared me down, knowing what its next meal was going to be.

"No, no!" I gasped out, fear consuming me as the creature came closer, the growling only intensified.

I cried out as I turned back on my side, forcing myself to crawl away, but my ankle seethed in pain. "Help!" I yelped out loudly, but no one could hear me.

My right hand left the ground as I rummaged through my bag one more time, the creature, which I had noticed to look like a man. He wore a suit, his tie that was probably once tightly around his neck was now un-tightened, the buttons of his shirt were ripped apart, and his stomach was covered in blood.

Whimpers escaped me as I continued to crawl, desperate to get away. However, once I noticed the bloodied-up man quickened up his pace, I stopped. Tears slowly trickled down my face as I gazed up at him in defeat. His growling and snarls were much more clear as he dropped down to his knees and made a bee-line towards me. Grabbing onto my arm and-

Suddenly, a loud, deafening gunshot rang through the air, the once rotting man who was about to take a chunk of my arm slumped over my legs, clumps of his brain and blood scattered all around my face and chest.

I gasped out in horror at the sight, blinking away the blurriness from my vision. My hand hesitantly shoved against the shoulder of the body, a wave of relief washing over me as it remained limp. With a grunt, I pushed aside the weight of the dead man, falling onto my back and taking very needed breaths.

The pain from my ankle grew, my body sweating as I grew more uncomfortable by this unbearable pain, My eyes slowly blinked as I tried to stay awake, but I could feel myself about to lose consciousness.

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch.

Hearing the crunching of leaves, I slowly reopened my eyes, my deep ragged breaths making their way from my red-chapped lips. As I gazed up, the sun blinded my sight, though I squinted my eyes as a tall, mysterious figure suddenly entered my vision.

A man, a real alive man.

He cautiously looked down at me with a raised brow, a sheriff's hat tugged on his head, with a matching tan-colored uniform—a shiny glint from a badge clipped on his button-up. With a growing smile, the man holstered his gleaming gun. His soft, pink lips opened as he spoke a few words that I couldn't comprehend before extending his hand towards mine, I hesitantly placed my hand in his, taking his hand and—

     A familiar yet, annoying ringing blared in my room, I knowingly groaned and turned my side to turn my alarm clock off. I slowly sat up in my queen-sized bed, stretching out.

I frowned as I remembered the strange dream I had. I shivered at the thought of my ankle being mangled as well as the dead... but the undead man who looked like he was about to rip my arm from my socket. Then I remembered the man who saved me, a police officer, I hummed to myself in thought, rubbing my hands against my eyes, and yawned.

Lately, I have been having strange dreams. Dreams about people panicking, people dying, and there is always someone or something saving me. This was the first time that a Sheriff showed up in my dream, and it was interesting.

As I uncovered my face I glanced over at the alarm clock I had set. Seeing the time was 6:02 am, I let out a loud groan and slumped, letting out a loud yawn. Then, I smiled as I remembered the day it was. I sat up straight, my eyes instantly looking over to the Calendar that hung on my wall.

August 25th, 2010.

Damn. 30 years old. What am I? A Grandma?

I giggled to myself at my thoughts, my smile immediately fading as I thought to myself. That's what he would've said. A chill went down my spine, I shook off the feeling in my gut and quickly stood to my feet.

I had a little pep in my step as I tore off my pajamas and made my way to the shower, quickly turning the water on and loudly singing to myself in pure bliss and happiness.

In my mind I already had my whole day planned out, call my parents to confirm my early visit, get breakfast, get gas, and get ready for the 2-hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia.

As I looked in the mirror making sure the neckline of the blouse was fixed, a faint ring of my phone went off. I sighed, looking down at my watch to notice the time was only 7:43 am it was way too early for my parents... or anyone to be calling. I quickly walked into the living room, grabbed the loud phone, and brought it to my ear.

"This is Magnolia Gates speaking, how may I help-"

"Nola! You okay?" I heard the rough and anxious voice of my father on the other side of the phone, his southern accent still as strong as ever.

I furrowed my eyebrows in pure confusion, I pressed the phone further into my ear as I slowly sat on the couch. As I sat on my couch all I could feel was a nauseous and uneasy feeling settle in my stomach, my chest ached with anxiety. I took a deep breath, preparing for the absolute worst.

"Dad? Of course, I'm okay. Are you and Momma alright?" I replied, my accented voice filled with worry. My dad rarely spoke this way, he is a tough man, just like Brett was, like father like son.

"Y-Yeah.... we're alright... did you see the news?" My father stuttered out in utter disbelief. I let out a shaky breath as I fumble with my TV remote, while at the same time uttering a short response to my dad.

As soon as my finger pressed the power button to the TV a loud, deafening, screech erupted from the speakers, the screen flashing with letters I couldn't comprehend. The phone that was once pressed against my ear fell to my side with a clatter, a high-pitched shrill came from the TV as I covered my ears with a hiss, I used one hand to grab the remote and quickly tried to turn the volume down, which failed.

"Nola?! Magnolia!?" My father frantically said through the phone I dropped to my side, I quickly picked up the phone and brought it to my right ear again. My eyes blinked multiple times before focusing on the TV that continued to screech words.

AN EMERGENCY BROADCAST REPORTED. PLEASE EVACUATE AREA. MILITARY FORCES WILL COME TO YOU. PLEASE EVACUATE TO THE NEAREST CITIES LISTED,

ATLANTA, AUSTIN-

I quickly pressed the power button of my TV, my jaw dropping in pure shock. My brain fumbled with words, I could hear my father screaming in my ear, on the verge of tears. All I could do was smile, a small dry chuckle leaving my lips as well as a small tear from the utter shock that I felt.

I had no idea what was happening. But of course, as soon as I had coped with everything that happened this year, as soon as I moved back to Alabama, the world went to shit. I refused to believe that as soon as I found myself again, as soon as I found out what I truly wanted, the world was going to end.

"Dad, this... this has to be a joke right? A super late April Fools Prank?" I whispered into the phone, I heard my dad sigh in relief as he heard my familiar southern drawl.

No way the world was ending, and I was on my own, again. Will I die? Will people I love die? Is this the end of everything? Is this another dream?

"I don't know Sweet Nola. I don't know." My dad whispered out, I took a deep breath and stood from my spot on my sofa.

I slowly walked towards the window and took a glance outside, I saw people running, screaming, cars jamming into each other, and children crying, I stepped away from the window. This isn't a joke.

Realizing how real this was, I refused to do this on my own. I refused to leave my parents to defend themselves... to die alone. I urgently closed the drapes in the living room, grabbing a few things, photos, and books.

I looked down at the old Polaroid picture I grabbed, it was a picture of the very day I was born, 30 years ago today. I close my eyes, memorizing every scrap of this very photo, my mom lying on the bed with a bright smile on her face, she's holding a baby (me), and my little face is scrunched up. Little Myles sitting next to my mom on the bed, a cheesy little smile on his face, my dad stood next to the both of them, his smile soft yet welcoming, you could see him holding up a thumbs up. My eyes open, and small tears prick in my eyes as I soak in everything.

"Everybody's leaving..." I said, "I have to go. I have to get to Atlanta right now."

"No, Nola! You have to--"

"It's what they said to do!" I yelled, I hurriedly ran to my room and grabbed a duffle bag.

I put the phone on speaker, my dad trying to talk some sense into me as I grabbed clothes and threw them into multiple bags. I made my way to my nightstand, grabbing my pistol and ammunition, just in case, right?

My dad and Myles taught me how to shoot, back when I was 16 years old and we lived back on the farm in Senoia, Georgia. About 45 minutes from Atlanta. Those were the good old times when I babysat my neighbor's kids for money, I ran around with my dad and hunted, and I would sit on our porch and read books to myself or the neighbor's children.

I remember how close I was to them, despite the large age gap the children were like my younger sisters, I cared for them. We would joke about how we were 'name-twins', although our names were similar, they weren't the same. I left the farm at the age of 22, they were upset, but I promised I would visit them.

And I never break my promises.

I stopped visiting altogether when my parents moved about 3 years ago, and I never heard from them again. My parents still have a few run-ins and talk to them a couple of times, but I felt bad from the radio silence on my end.

Maybe I'll visit them when this is all figured out. Or if it all goes to shit.

"Dad, you can't talk me outta this. You tell Momma I'm comin', promise me you'll tell her!" My voice broke as I yelled at my father, my bags in my hands as I stood next to my couch, ready for my dad to hang up so I could leave as fast as I could. I had to make it to Atlanta, I had to get to my family.

"Nola wait-"

"Mags?" I heard my mother's voice call out, I let out a relieved sigh as I heard my mom's voice. I feel my throat close up and my eyes sting with pain as tears fill them up quickly.

Now that my dad had given the phone to my mom, I started to let my guard down, I was always forced to act tough in front of my father so I wouldn't ever disappoint him, and to show that I was strong. But at this moment, I was at a total loss on what to do.

"M-Momma, I'm scared," I whispered with a slight tremble.

On the other side of the line, I could hear her repeat, 'I know, I know' in a soothing voice.

My mom always knew to stay calm in tough situations. I looked around my house, wondering how I got to this specific situation, wondering how the world fucked up and how it could be fixed.

I exhaled shakily, closing my eyes, and allowing tears to slip. "What's happening, Mom? I don't know what to do, what do I do? What would... Myles do?"

My mom went silent on the other end at the mention of my brother. Probably thinking of the response I'd want to hear.

"He would tell ya' to be strong... to stop weepin' like a big baby and to figure it out," My mom laughed out, and a small chuckle echoed from my mouth as well. "He would want you to try to survive, Mags."

Tears rolled down my cheeks relentlessly, I wiped them away and sighed, my mom's voice filling my ears once more, "I don't know what's happenin' Mags, I went outside and everyone is in a panic. People are eatin' each other Mags, and I'm not kiddin' I knew I should've believed ya' when you said me and Dad weren't meant for the city."

Although my mom tried to sneak in a joke, I didn't laugh, instead, I analyzed her words and I gulped in fear.. people were eating each other?

My mind flashed back to the dream I had this very morning, the monster, creature, man, or whatever it was, looking as if it hadn't eaten in years, his face was torn up, his stomach so bloody I couldn't find the source as to why, his teeth had flesh stuck in 'em. I recalled every detail now that it felt real, and God did it feel real. The Sheriff... he felt even more real.

"Mags?" My mom called out to me, and a shaky breath passed my lips.

"Yes, Momma?" I whispered.

"Please make it to Atlanta. Come home. I need to know you're safe, me and daddy are alright. We just need you here and need you to survive. I need you to fight with whatever is happenin' outside." My mom said to me, her voice filled with determination.

I closed my eyes tightly, clenching my jaw as pure emotion flooded me. I reopened my eyes, filled with the same determination my mother is.

"I will momma, I'll get to you and dad, and we'll get out and survive together. I promise." 

And I never break my promises.

As my mom went to respond, static filled the other side of the phone, words were a jumbled mess to where I couldn't understand a single word she was saying.

My eyebrows furrowed and my eyes widened in fear, my mouth gaped open as I went to reply but I jumped back as I heard banging and screaming outside of my house. I gasped out in fear and shock, yelling on the other side of the phone calling out to my mom, my dad, anyone.

"Mags?" My mom breathed out.

I sighed in relief, clutching the phone for dear life, "Yes Mom? Yes?"

"Happy Birthday."

My body froze at her words, a breath got stuck in my throat. Tears refilled my eyes, I had completely forgotten. I opened my mouth to reply, but I heard nothing but a click, telling me that the call had ended.

I let out a strangled sob as I tried to redial my parent's phone but no signal could be reached. Filled with nothing but utter rage, I overturned the phone in my hand, smashing it to the floor and stomping on it with wild screams till it broke into multiple pieces. I let out a deep breath, pushing the strains of hair out of my face with a sniffle.

Instead of fear, sadness, despair, or anxiety. I felt angry. Angry that although there were many signs of the world going to shit, it had to happen on this day.

I felt angry that I didn't have Myles by my side, I felt angry that I had no clue where to go from here, and I felt angry that the world took my parents away.

Not another minute went by before I grabbed my bags and headed straight to the garage where my car was parked.

  I grabbed a couple more boxes of ammunition, an axe, and pepper spray. I opened my garage doors and saw the absolute horror that was awaiting me outside.

Happy Birthday to me.

__

this is an introduction to get to know a little bit about Magnolia before everything starts, some things may not make sense but they will shortly. And I don't know when or how the apocalypse/ the world ending happened, I looked it up and i'm not sure if i'm 100% correct but I tried.

Please give feedback, but be kind and respectful of mine and other people's feelings. This is a long road ahead for me (if I even publish this).

also.... if the gifs are messed up I'm sorry I have no clue why they are (it's pissing me off LMFAO) and I don't know how to fix them, but if they seem completely normal on your end then please ignore this...

ALSO. if you see the name "Brett" uh ignore it cause I changed the name to Myles....

- L

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