Chapter 42

AN: I did a mistake in the previous chapter, Theodore isn't there with them, because he went with Rick, Glenn and Daryl to get Merle from that roof.

- Xenon -

Shane checked the weapons closely for defects, without bullets of course. Carl approached him, attracted by the firearms, probably hoping to try one of them, but his mother promptly stopped him. He started pouting, but it got him nowhere.

"What about bullets? Did you find any?" Shane asked me.

"Yes." I nodded. I took out three boxes from my backpack, where I put all the ammo I planned to give them. "Thirty of each type for both revolvers, and twenty for the shotgun." He nodded.

"What do you plan to do with them?" Shane asked. "It's gonna be tough to use four weapons at once." He added nonchalantly.

'Woah, really? Shane using his cunning to get what he wants? The world must be ending... Oh wait, it is...'

"I'll be keeping this Glock with me. You, Jim and Theodore can split the others." I said magnanimously, and I could see the effect instantly, if the grateful looks were any indication.

"You know how to shoot?" He asked curiously.

"Yes. I've used guns before." I nodded confidently, though I'm not sure if he believes me. It doesn't matter anyway.

"You guys should unload everything in the van to the big truck. I'll go clean up." I said, before leaving them to it. I reeked of sweat, blood and guts, and I needed to get this stink off me ASAP before I go insane.

- Xenon -

I finally feel human again. Going without a shower for ten days is an experience I do not wish to live again. It felt like I lost a few kilos just from washing all the dirt.

But it seems I won't be having any time to relax. Glenn and Theodore were missing, which meant that Rick was already here. Daryl is usually out of camp, but in this case, it's safe to assume he is with them looking for his brother, Merle.

Which means that things were about to go sideways here at camp. I'm not worried too much though. I was prepared enough, and I would be aware of them 250 meters before they arrive. What I was most concerned about was how I should let this play.

It was clear to me that at this point in time, the group was far too cozy to consider that it may not be such a great idea to stay out here in the woods. Mostly because they were afraid of leaving their already "safe" heaven.

They needed the wake up call, but how far I was willing to go with this, I didn't know. Ideally, I wouldn't want anyone of them to die for nothing. Scratch that, I'll make sure none of them die. Ed, on the other hand... I don't know if I want to be in the same group with someone as unstable as him. Not to mention, he beats his wife, Carol, and I really like the woman. Both in the show, and the kind person I've personally discovered she is. I would kill him myself if I could, but I know that's not an option this early. But if a walker bites him, on the other hand... Can't blame me for doing nothing.

I got dressed after washing myself, and got back to camp. It was lunch time right now, so there was that to look up to.

"'Sup!" Amy was sitting with her sister, talking about something in hushed conversation, but they stopped once they noticed me.

"Good to see you again, Xenon." Andrea smiled at me.

"You haven't told us what you found out there!" Amy gestured to the empty chair next to them, so I seated myself.

"Nothing much, really." I shrugged. "Walkers, lot of them. Empty houses, blocked roads."

"No survivors?" Andrea asked hopefully.

"None, the whole city looks deserted." I shook my head. I lied, but I had to. I couldn't tell them that I offed two human beings. They were probably against the idea of killing fellow humans, no matter the reasons, because they aren't desperate enough to abandon those silly morals. If the situation calls for it, I would reveal their existance, but only if I have to make a point.

"So everyone in the city is dead..." Amy whispered softly.

"Not necessarily." I shook my head. "There may still be people out there, but they would be holed up in houses, stores or whatever, keeping quiet to avoid attracting the walkers. That's why it's so difficult to meet anyone in there." Andrea nodded, hoping to keep those depressing thoughts out of her sister's head.

"So, what happened here while I was away?"

"Oh, we didn't tell you! Lori's husband, Rick, came to us! He was in a coma since before it all started, and he wakes up only to come straight to his family in the next few days! Can you believe it? It was like they were destined to meet!" Amy said excitedly.

"Where is he now?" I asked "curiously", and I noticed the shift in their expression. Andrea was conflicted for some reason, but if I had to guess, I'd say she regrets that their group left Merle on that roof to save their own skin, regardless of how much of a dick he was.

"He left with the others to bring back Merle." Amy said. "He did mention a bag full of weapons he brought from the armory at the police station. He was a sheriff, you see..."

"Can't Merle come back on his own?" I "frowned".

"Well..." Amy tried to explain it, but she was hesitant, as she glanced at her sister several times.

"We left him on the roof on our last run." Andrea sighed. "He was... unstable. Pointed a gun at us, called Theodore the n-word..."

"Why the long face then?" I commented. "From what you're telling me, he was a di-... err, an unpleasant person, and he kinda deserves it." Amy covered her mouth and started laughing at the slip of tongue.

"It doesn't mean we can just leave him there." Andrea shook her head. "He took some drugs before coming with us apparently."

"He also pointed a gun at you." I pointed out. "If he did it once, he'll do it again, and again, and again..."

"Still, that's no reason to sentence him to death."

"Would you think the same if he shot one of you?"

"No." She shook her head again. "But it didn't happen, so in the end it doesn't matter. He won't do it again." I knew that arguing any further wouldn't lead to anything, even though I had much more to say.

"I hope so." I shrugged.