This is my first attempt at a Walking dead fanfic,I've been working on this for months on 1 document and I'm currently on episode 4,so if there's anything you want to say or any errors or something,please kindly and calmly remind me.

Please note if Jasmine's lines are funny I'm only trying to make them fit with her accent,so most of what she says isn't simple English.

And I'm really bad at romance in the part where they kiss and I had help when doing this in Around Every corner,so don't push me if it's terrible.

ALSO this is an editing, where I'm adding all the content in one chapter of each WD episode, so that's why it's a little muddled up

Well anyway, enjoy the story!

It's been over 3 months,since the dead stood up and took their steps,It's impossible to know how and nobody knew when it was coming.

A tall teenage girl with bright blue sapphire eyes, long curly brown hair tied up in a pony tail, skinny pale-skinned body with three barely noticeable scars, one from her forehead to her right cheek, one from the bottom of her left lip to almost her chin and the other from in between her left shoulder and neck to almost the middle of her exposed chest, blue short-sleeved top with a yellow cardigan with stretchy denim trousers and black and pink trainers, holding a large blue bag, equipped with a bow, a katana and 2 crowbars on her back looking around the woods with glaring eyes searching for something to hunt in the woods,by her side was a little girl with creamy blond straight hair,skinny silky pale skin that is much more paler than Maria's,green emerald eyes with a white,lower torn summer dress and white shoes holding a crossbow as well as the teenager's hand.

"Maria! Ah'm starving!" the little girl groaned at the adolescent.

"I know Jasmine,"said Maria" But we can't give up now. And please be quiet sis,you'll alert the infects,remember?"

"Ah know,Ah know... Sorry,yer right."Jasmine admitted

"It's okay. We're starving and on the run,but I'm sure we'll be fine,"replied Maria,"We just need to make sure infects don't get us."

Suddenly a scream was heard and it got them on full alert and ran to where the it came from.

They ran though the woods and looked at each corner trying to find out where the noise was,when managing to track it down they saw a man with one of his legs stuck in the a bear trap with two teenage boys trying to free the man from the trap,then two other guys came along,one of them was African-American and the other a white man with glasses.

''Jesus Christ!'' the guy with glasses blurted out.

One of the teenagers who was black-haired, shot around to see the other guys and so did the taller brown-haired boy.

''Oh shit! No. No... Please don't kill us! We just went to help our teacher! We'll leave, I swear!'' the shorter teen babbled.

Maria clearly saw their names on the teen's jackets,the black-haired boy called Travis and the brown-haired boy,Ben.

Then a redneck guy came running down to the African-American and the guy with glasses.

''Lee! You guys okay?!''he asked to the African-American.

The man still struggled in the bear trap in pain ''Get it off! Get it off, God Dammit, get it off me!''

''Travis, maybe they can help!"Ben said to Travis.

''These might be the same guys that raided our camp and... We barely got away from that!'' Travis exclaimed, frightened.

"What the hell happened here?!" asked Maria

"Mr Parker said we should stay of the streets!We were trying to be careful but-"answered Ben quickly and worryingly.

Mr Parker groaned in pain from the trapped leg.

''Lee, this is fucked up, we've gotta help them!''said the guy with glasses to the african american.

'Please!'' Ben pleaded.

''Ben, shut up! My dad was Special Forces, I know what I'm doing!''

Ben ignored Travis, ''Just see if you can get him out! After that you can leave us or... whatever, I don't care! Please!''

Maria then went forward along with Lee to the bear trap trying to break it free,but then noticed something"This is bad. The bear trap has no release latch on it!"

"Well,ye better find a way quickly. Infects are closin' in! "

Maria then looked at Jasmine who along with Travis spotted walkers coming towards them.

''Shit! Walkers! It's now or never, Lee.'' the redneck guy shouted.

''Mark get the kids back, Kenny keep those walkers off of me!'' ordered Lee.

Maria then rushed to Jasmine's side and used her weapons to kill any walkers that got too close,Maria then turned around when Mr Parker cried in pain a few times to see that his leg chopped off by Lee and passed out when he looked at it with Travis was vomiting at the sight of it.

''If he's alive, grab him and lets go!'' Kenny urged.

Mark swiftly lifted the teacher on to his shoulders and began to run back to somewhere along with Kenny.

Maria and Jasmine quickly picked up the arrows and bolts and went over to Lee and Ben.

Maria turned around to see Travis recovering from vomiting with walkers coming closer to him.

"LOOK OUT!" she yelled to him.

''Travis!'' yelled Ben.

Travis turned around and tried to get away from the walkers, but slipped and fell on his back and one of them came down on top of him and bit a chunk of flesh from his throat. Another walker pierced Travis' stomach with its hands, quickly ripping out his intestines,while Lee and Maria held back Ben.

''NOOOO!'' Ben screamed.

Jasmine could only watch in horror,while Travis's cries were heard around this part of the forest while being eaten alive.

Maria held Jasmine's hand the until they got out of the woods,they saw a motor inn with a woman with long straight brown hair sitting on a chair on top of a caravan pointing a gun at the woods.

''Get the gates open! We've got wounded!'' Lee screamed to the woman, as the group came to the main road.

The woman lowered her gun,but Maria and Jasmine saw the angry look on her face.

Then 2 other women came out to open the gates and the group ran inside quickly when and put the teacher on the back of the truck,Maria and Jasmine stood by the truck along with Ben to keep away from the argument.

'Oh my God!'' one of the women cried as she saw the man who had blood oozing and dripping from his half sliced leg.

''Kat, can you fix him!?'' Kenny asked the woman quickly.

''Jesus Ken... I.. I don't know!'' Katjaa panicked.

''Lee! What the hell?! You can't just be bringing new people here! What are you thinking?!'' the woman from on top of the caravan named Lilly spoke aggressively

''Hey, you wanna calm down for a fucking minute?!'' Kenny yelled

'Hey, watch your mouth!''The old guy called Larry snarled.

''No, I don't! I want to know why you thought bringing more mouths to feed would be a good idea?!'' Lilly barked.

''He would have died, if we left him!'' said Lee raising his voice.

'Lee, we are not responsible for every struggling survivor we come across! We have to focus on our group! Right here. Right now.''lectured Lily.

Maria ignored the argument for a bit to see Jasmine,shaking from what happened back in the woods.

"Shh. It's okay,"whispered Maria"Just relax."

Maria looked back to see Lilly who was now yelling at Mark.

"The only reason you're here is because you had food. Enough for all of us. But that food is almost gone, we've got maybe a week's worth left, and I don't suppose you guys are carrying any groceries, are you?!'' She looked at Ben and Maria.

''No.'' he said miserably.

"Not a thing. Sorry."Maria also spoke.

''Fine. You guys fight it out then. Welcome to the family, kids.'' Mark said to Ben,Jasmine and Maria before walking off.

Jasmine then noticed a little girl next to her and did a shy smile. The girl then took Jasmine's hand getting her to come and sit with her ''Come over here,and see what I drew.'' Jasmine looked at Maria and Maria smiled and grabbed Ben's jacket gently as a sign to come and follow.

''What?No..I...''Ben didn't want to because he wanted to see if his teacher is alright.

''Just come on,"Maria said to Ben not looking at him and almost dragging him"We've seen enough right now.''

Jasmine and the girl sat down on the car park floor and Ben and Maria next to each other,Maria looked at Jasmine who was admiring the girl's drawings by nodding while smiling and then she looked at Ben,he was just staring at the ground,sulking.

Maria then heard Lee coming over,with 4 food items,1/2 an apple,2 cheese and crackers and a jerky,she tried her best to watch Jasmine draw and color in with Clementine,but her mouth watered up a bit,Lee gave the an apple and a little boy that was with them was given the jerky.

Jasmine then showed Maria her picture of a little blue bird and Clementine showed her a picture of a cat.

"Those are really lovely,"said Maria who then looked at her half sister"Are you feeling better now,Jas?"

Jasmine was giving an unsure look but looked at Clem and Duck and gave her big half-sister an answer"...Aye. If yer okay,then Ah'm okay"

The little girl gave a curious look at Jasmine,but the boy giggled at her accent,Maria thought her Jasmine was going to get upset but saw that she was giggling as well when she seen the smile on her face.

Jasmine and Duck then stopped laughing and they continued drawing.

Maria then noticed Lee coming towards here again to talk to the girl''How ya doing, Clementine?''

''Okay"she answered.

Lee knew something was missing from her"Where's your hat?'' he questioned

''I don't know. Can you help me find it?"

"Sure,when did you lose it?

"I had it a couple of days ago"

"I promise,if I find it,I'll let you know"

Ben shifted around to look up at Lee''Hey,is my teacher gonna make it?'' he asked.

''I don't know, but Katjaa will do her best. I promise.'' Lee nodded his head.

''I can't believe you chopped off his leg!''replied Ben,still horrified after the event.

''Well,there was no other way,so it had to be done.'' Maria responded gently,looking at Ben.

''So how you holding up,kid?'' Lee questioned.

''Uh, well, I, uh... I keep wondering if I could have done something to help, you know? Some kind of...I don't know...Something.'' Ben hung his head in shame.

"It was an unexpected thing,"replied Maria"Don't worry. You'll be prepared next time"

"If there will be a next time,for the lad."Jasmine spoke while still drawing

"Jasmine!"Maria exclaimed

"Ah'm kiddin' sis,ye know that."

"Forgive me if she acts this way. It's just err, ancestor's temper and she speaks scottish,so not everything that comes out of her mouth makes sense."explained Maria, a little embarrassed.

Lee then looked at Maria's bag"That's a nice large bag you got there."

"Getting curious?"Maria knew Lee was being nice,but didn't want people she just met to go through her things"Well there's nothing in there,other than stuff from junkyards. I search there for materials to make sure were safe in case there's no trees or safe spots to hide and sleep and find weapons to use or make. You never know what to find there."

''So who are you people? Our groups gonna want to know.'' Lee asked,interested.

"I'm Ben, Ben Paul. The man you saved is Mr. Parker, the band director at my school. We all came down from Stone Mountain for the playoffs when... when everything happened.''

Maria then faced Lee and sighed"I'm not sure if everyone here is trustworthy,but I guess I'll be honest. My name is Vix Fox and over there next to your group's little girl is my half-sister,Jasmine Logan. We came to America all the way from Britain a week before the dead turned into predators."

Lee looked at her in suprise and in sorrow,"You two are a long way from home."

"And so is everyone else. I'm pretty sure we're not the only tourists in the apocolypse."

Lee nodded at Maria and then looked at Ben"Relax, we'll get your friend back to normal in no time.''

Lee then walked off to finish giving out the food.

With nothing going on,Maria just decided to watch the falling leaves blowing in the wind and the crows fly by.

Crows.

That's somehow the only bird she and maybe everyone see fly the sky,no pigeons,doves,ducks or geese,just crows.

''Ken, Lee, come over here please!'' Katjaa called out kindly to them.

Maria and Jasmine stopped what they were doing then looked at each other and then they both looked at Lee and Kenny coming over to Katjaa.

''He didn't make it, did he?'' Kenny spoke softly.

''He... lost too much blood.'' She said gazing down.

''God dammit,'' Kenny walked of,sulkily"I'm getting sick of this shit!" Kenny kicked a can out of frustration, which struck the RV.

"Ken,come back there's nothing-"Katjaa called to him but Lee stuck out his hand, ''Let him go Katjaa, he just needs time. It's been a rough morning."

"That man you brought...I tried,but he was never going to survive"explained Kat,sadly.

"Well...At least he's not our problem anymore."Lee replied

Katjaa then looked at Maria and Jasmine,who were talking to each other and Ben,who was still sat down and had no idea what was happening "What about the other kids?"

Lee was unsure of what to say,suddenly two hands came from the back of the truck grabbing Katjaa around her shoulders,making her let out a scream.

Lee, forced the two apart, and turned towards Mark"The axe, Hurry!"The undead teacher grabbed Lee, and they wrestled at the back of the truck.

Mark ran up to the truck and Lee pushed the undead teacher back,but Mark missed and the axe got lodged in the truck"Shit, it's stuck!"

Lee edged back falling out of the truck on to his back but the zombie landed on top of him and Lee still wrestled with it.

Then an arrow soared through the air and pierced the zombie's head,killing it.

Lee and probably everyone looked to see Maria holding her bow and walked over to Lee,along with Jasmine.

"Are you okay?"asked Maria,as Jasmine pulled the arrow out of the zombie's head and handed it to Maria.

"Yeah. Thanks,kid."replied Lee.

Larry then turned on Lee"Why'd you bring him here in the first place, asshole?!''

"Dad! Calm down!"

Larry carried on, ignoring his daughter ''You're gonna get us all killed!''

Kenny who had finished comforting his wife, stormed up to Ben."Why didn't you tell us he was bitten?!''

''What?!'' Ben cried out, confused.

''He was bitten and you didn't say a goddamn word!''Kenny spat.

''But he wasn't bitten! I swear!''

''Well your not-bitten friend here, came back to life,and tried to kill my wife!''

''What! Wait, y'all don't know?''

''What the hell are you talking about?!''The group came in closer,hearing what Ben was about to say.

''It's not the bite that does it!''

The group fell into silence.

''You come back no matter how you die. If you don't destroy the brain, that's just what happens. It's gonna happen to all of us.''

"We're all infected?Everyone?"Lee questioned,surprised.

"I-I guess so. I don't know...All I know is that I've seen people turn who I know were never bitten."Ben began to explain how he knew "When I first saw it happen, we were all hiding out in a gym and everybody thought we were finally safe. But one of the girls, Jenny Pitcher I think, I guess she couldn't take it. She took some pills. A lot of them. Someone went in the girls' room the next morning and...God..."

Maria looked at Jasmine,from the look of her half sister's face she was surprised,but Maria herself wasn't and she knew why.

"BACK OFF!"the girl called Carley pointed her pistol at 2 men with one of them being the oldest holding a gas container.

"Woah, Lady, relax! Me and my brother, we... we just want to know if ya'll can help us out.'' said the older man lifted his container up in the air.

''I SAID BACK OFF!'' Carley shouted making the men keep their distance.

"Carley."Lilly said,behind her.

"We don't want any trouble."Lee called out to them.

"Of course. Neither do we,"replied the man with the container"I'm Andy St John and this here's my brother Dan. We're just out looking for gasoline. Looks like you folks got the motel locked down,which is fine, but if you could spare any gas we'd be much obliged."

"Why do you need gas?"Carley questioned still holding the gun.

"Our place is protected by an electric fence. Generators provide the electricity."explained Danny,then Andy continued"Our generators run on gas. Look, we own a dairy farm a few miles up the road. If ya'll be willing to lower your guns, we can talk about some kind of trade."

"How are ya'll doing on food?,"asked Danny"We got plenty at the dairy."

The group exchanged glances when the word 'food' came up.

Lily then broke the silence, ''Lee, why don't you and Mark check the place out, see if it's legit."

Carley turned to Lee, putting her gun away, ''I'm going with you. I got your back if anything seems fishy."

"We'll go with you too."Maria decided,then looked over to Ben,"And by we I also mean you too."

Ben looked at Maria in surprise but she silenced him before explaining,"If we're gonna stay here a little longer,you might as well help out. You don't wan't to wander around and find your dead mate,do you?"

"No...i guess not."Ben answered,still saddened by the loss of Travis.

''So, uh, what are ya'll thinking?''Andy questioned.

"You've got a deal,"answered Lee"We'll bring some gas to your dairy in exchange,you give us some food to bring back. We'll see how it goes from there"

Andy smiled"Sounds fair. A couple of gallons should power one of our generators for a while."

"So this dairy... you guys really have food?'' Mark questioned interested.

Mark walked in-between the brothers confidently, Jasmine was walking with Maria and Ben next to each other and Lee and Carley were far behind talking to each other.

Sure do,'' Andy smiled ''We've lost most of the cattle, but we still have loads of milk, butter and cheese stocked up.''

Enthusiastically Danny joined in, ''and with the vegetables we grow, we've got plenty of food."

"Do ye think they're tellin' the truth?"Jasmine asked Maria.

"I don't know."said Maria"I just hope we get something to eat. Being on the run does make you hungry."

Maria's eyes then looked at Ben and then turned back to Jasmine.

Maria then turned her head to face Ben"Oh,Ben?I'm sorry for what Jasmine said to you. She sometimes just doesn't think things through."

Ben then looked at Maria with his eyes meeting hers"Oh,It's okay... So,you use a bow instead of a gun."

"Yeah,actually I can use both a gun and a rifle but bows and crossbows make less noise."Maria replied to Ben,"Jasmine only knows how to use a crossbow because melee weapons would just get her killed. And for a 10 year old she knows how to use one well,I taught her how to."

"Really?"Ben showing he was really surprised about Jasmine but mostly about Maria.

"Yeah,It's...a long story"Maria sighed,looking down,but then looked back up and continued explaining"You see walkers,or infectors or infects as we call them get attracted to sound and smell blood,so by using less loud attacks,walkers infront of you can be dealt with and less of them start turning up."

''I mean, thank God Lee showed up when he did,'' Mark said loudly enough for Maria to look back up, ''Right, Lee?'' Mark smiled.

Yeah, why don't you tell us a bit more about yourself Lee?'' Andy asked.

Danny slowed down so he came along side Lee along with Andy, ''Where are ya from?''

"I grew up in Macon."answered Lee.

"Right here in the heart of Georgia, that's what I like to hear!'' Andy said passionately,''Y'all seem pretty settled in at that Motor Inn. Who's running things over there?

"We work as a group,all of us looking out for each other."

"I hear that! There are so many dumb asses fighting each other these days... It's just stupid."

"How many people ya got over there anyway?"asked Danny

"Nine. Including the kids."answered Lee

Carley then spoke"You forgot Ben, Vix and Jasmine."

"Me?"Ben and Maria turned their heads to Carley and spoke at the same time,they looked at each other and turned away,blushing with Maria giggling,Jasmine gave a scowled look at Maria,making her stop blushing with her eyes wide a bit before clearing her throat"And,Jasmine?"Maria said to Carley less questionably

"That makes it twelve."said Carley

''Well, we'd love to get ya all out to the dairy."replied Andy "Like I said, we've got plenty of food, and quite frankly, we could always use an extra helping hand."

Ben turned his head to face the others behind him, ''In the summers, I used to help out on a goat farm.''

Danny smiled sweetly, ''Yeah, that's great. Everything helps!

"Momma's been running the dairy for as long as I can remember but now its gettin-"Andy was explaining but was interrupted by an argument.

"You think you're gonna cut me out of this?"

''Shit, get down!'' Andy breathed loudly at the group.

The group crouched down behind some long grass and saw 2 people with their faces covered up with only their eyes visible.

"No one is trying to cut you out of anything."

''Fuckin' bandits!'' Danny huffed.

Ben's eyes could tell he knew these people ''Those look like the people who raided my camp.''

"And they have bows as well as guns. No wonder you were surprised. Still,could be useful to get more of them."Maria whispered to Ben

''Who are they?'' Lee asked loudly.

''Shh. Fucking assholes is who they are.'' Andy hissed disgusted by them.

"They're just 2 lads,we can take them on."replied Jasmine with a determined tone.

Danny looked at Jasmine"Oh no little lady,there's a lot more of them."

''Don't worry."said Andy"Danny and I have ya covered if something happens, but let's just wait this out and hope they move on.''

"FUCK YOU!"then one of the bandits kicked the other in the stomach, and then shot the man dead,which made Ben gasp and Maria cover Jasmine's eyes.

The man laid dead covered in his own blood on the ground.

The bandit shot the man three more times in the head.

''FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU!'' He screamed in rage.

He strolled away, turning his head at the man's dead body one last time before disappearing into the woods ''Asshole.''

"The world out here has gone to shit."sighed Andy"Come on, let's got to the dairy where it's safe.''

They all got up and started to walk to the farm,well all except Jasmine still looking at the man's dead body.

"Jasmine!Get back here!"Maria called to her.

Jasmine then looked at the man one last time and quickly ran back to the group.

The group walked on until finding a place where no trees were close to them.

Here it is. St. John's family dairy.'' Andy said proudly, holding up his free hand to show the place.

It was a big modern farm house with a red barn,surrounded by the electric fence they were talking about.

''Ya'll can see how we've kept this place so safe.''

Mark's and Lee's eyes scanned out the place.

"This place keeps them out?'' Mark questioned the brothers.

''You betcha. They fry like bugs in a zapper. We're pushing 4000 volts through that thing, with generators and amps.'' Andy chortled.

"Whoa,you must know a lot about running wire and circuits then."said Maria

"Had a guy who did,yeah"replied Danny

Maria then spotted a woman in her mid 50's inside the house near a window.

She turned around and walked away, as the group came nearer.

''This is a really brilliant set up!'' Lee said, whilst he was still admiring the farm.

Andy turned around, ''Suits us just fine.'' Andy said simply.

This place looks untouched! You'd never know the rest of the world is in ruins.'' Carley praised.

"It's worth protecting,hence all the juice."replied Andy

"I thought I saw ya'll with company comin' down the drive!" The woman from the farm-house window walked towards the group with a cheerful welcoming smile across her face,holding a woven picnic basket.

''Guys,this is our Mama.'' Andy said lovingly.

''I'm Brenda St. John and welcome to the St. John Dairy!''greeted Brenda

Andy pointed at Lee"This here's Lee. He's from Macon.''

Brenda nodded approvingly, ''A couple of our old farm hands were from Macon. They grow 'em good there.''

Danny also joined in, ''They've got a few more friends staying at the old motel.''

''Oh my goodness, that place is pretty vulnerable. Have you got someone with survival experience to lead your group?''

"We all work together. Plus, we've got plenty of people with military experience."replied Lee

Brenda sighed in relief "Well,that's good to hear. That motel ain't the safest place. Now that y'all here,we'll make sure your safe and comfortable."

"We are very hungry."said Jasmine innocent and gently

"Aww,well don't you worry dear. These are for ya'll.'' Brenda held up the basket to reveal a lot of biscuits to the group. ''Baked fresh this morning.'' Brenda added.

"Wow."Jasmine breathed out in astonishment,and Maria smiled at her.

''Can't get stuff like that anymore, not without a cow for milk and butter, that's for sure.'' Danny added simply.

"That's right. Hopefully Maybelle will make it through this bout of whatever she's got and be with us for a good long while!'' Brenda said hopefully.

'Your cow is sick? What's she-'' Mark interrupted Lee.

We have a vet! We could bring her here! We can help you folks out.'' Mark said excitedly.

Brenda gasped happily''A vet! Oh, my! Our prayers have been answered!''

Mark continued''Maybe our whole group could come... for the day.''

Maria looked at Lee and knew he was unsure and so was her,they only met these people.

''Well how about this, ya'll go get your veterinary friend, and I prepare some dinner. A big feast for all you hungry souls. It'll be nice to have some folks to help around here again. Danny, why don't you come help me out in the kitchen.''

"Why don't I head back with the food and round up everyone for the trip back here.'' Carley suggested.

''You might wanna take someone with you. Remember, those roads can be dangerous.'' Andy warned.

''I can handle myself."

Mark handed Carley his rifle"Here take this... Why don't you go ahead and take Ben along anyway."

Carley nodded and turned to Lee"Take care of yourself, Lee. ''See ya in a while.''

"See you later,Ben."smiled Maria as she watched Carly and Ben walked slowly back down the drive,she would of watched them until they were gone if Jasmine hadn't of pushed her a bit to get her attention.

She then went to look around the farm with her.

"Maria!Look!"

Maria looked at what Jasmine was pointing at and saw a broken swing along with Lee and walked up to it

"That's a swing,Jasmine. Pity it's broken though."said Maria looking at it.

"I'll bet Clementine and Duck would have loved something like this to play on." Lee spoke to Andy

"Kids used to like that old swing even more than the tour sometimes"replied Andy

"I'll bet."

"Is it okay if Lee and I try to fix it?"Maria asked

"Sure! That'd be great! Momma sure does appreciate you all helping out."

Lee and Maria had a look at the swing to see what it needs.

Lee pointed out what it needed "Looks like it just needs a new board for the seat and some. Make it safe for Clem,Jas and Duck,and let the St Johns know we can pull our weight around here."

"Right. Me and Jasmine will find some rope while you cut out a board."Maria suggested

Lee walked over to where the barn was while Maria and Jasmine searched around the house.

Jasmine and Maria were right by the door and Jasmine noticed fresh herbs on the window pots.

"Mmm,Ah can't wait for dinner,can ye,Maria?Maria?"

Jasmine turned around to see why Maria wasn't talking,she saw her leaning on the fence of the farm house,watching the path where Carly and Ben walked off,Jasmine pulled on Maria's cardigan sleeve to get her attention.

"Huh?Oh,sorry Jasmine. Just worried about the others."

"I doubt ye worrying about 'others'" said Jasmine in a cross tone.

Jasmine then saw a chest right by the right side of the barn,she and Maria opened it to reveal 2 ropes,they both picked up the thin rope.

"Well,surely you must worry about someone in the group"replied Maria"Like Duck and Clementine. You seemed pretty calm when you met them."

Maria knew Jasmine and Duck had things in common and were talking to each other back at the motor inn while Maria was watching the leaves blow in both the trees and the wind,and Clem got along with her when she first started to sit by her a draw with her.

"Alrigh' ye got me there."Jasmine admitted,as well as a bit annoyed.

Maria noticed the certificates and ribbons on on the front of the house"Wow,the dairy won a lot of prizes in those days."

"This place was my daddy's life."Andy replied as Maria and Jasmine turned to face him,"It meant everything to him. You know, when he first brought this place, this was a single story house."

"Really?"asked Jasmine

Andy nodded,"After us kids were born, he insisted on adding a second floor. Said they had to have room for as many babies as they could have. ...Momma,she was done after Dan."

"My mother finished after Jasmine was born,"said Maria"she had met a different person at the time."

"Then one day the world changed..."Andy continued,"Now this place is all we have left of Daddy. That's why we take such good care of it and why we want to share it with good folks like yourselves."

They both gave Andy a nod and made their way back to the swing while Andy went back to the generators.

They walked to the swing to see Lee had already gotten the board for the swing and turned to them.

"Did you find any rope?"Lee questioned

"Aye,here it is."Jasmine answered as she and Maria handed Lee the rope.

"Well,that's all we need. Let's see if we can fix it."said Maria.

"All right,this shouldn't be too tough."replied Lee.

While Andy was finishing filling up the generator he looked over to see that Lee,Maria and Jasmine had fully repaired the swing,hewas amazed and impressed.

"Well I'll be damned. Momma's gonna be thrilled to see that old swing all fixed up"

"Hopefully our kids will like it to"said Lee

Brenda heard the conversation outside and went to see what was happening.

"Did you say something darlin'?",she gasped in amazement when she saw the fully repaired swing"Oh my goodness. Did y'all do that?"

"Just trying to help a bit around here"answered Lee while Maria and Jasmine nodded.

"You know, I used to push Andy and his brother out here on that swing every night when they were kids. Seems like such a long time ago now."

"Yeah... it does." agreed Lee

"I'm goin' on it."yelled Jasmine running over to the swing.

"Alright,Jas,calm down. I'll push you."said Maria going behind the swing to push Jasmine.

After the first few swings Lee began to talk to them.

"So where about in Britain are you kids from?"Lee questioned.

"Oh,well I'm the one who grew up in England. I live in Liverpool along with my dad. Jasmine grew up in Scotland and lives in Glasgow with my mum and Dave Logan,her dad and my stepdad."

"Is this your first time here?"

"Aye."Jasmine answered

"Actually its the second time,for me at least."corrected Maria"I came here when I was young to stay in the same place. Just for the thrills,though would wish I was older as i am right now to enjoy more different ones. Nothing too dangerous."

"How come you and your half sister live so far away?"

"My parents are Abbey and Nicholas Fox,my mother is the one who is Scottish. They were happy when I was born and had a nice marriage. One day,my dad had a heavy drinking addiction because my granddad on his side passed away and it got too much for my mum and they divorced each other. My mum moved to Scotland and met Dave. He's a nice person and sees me as his own daughter,more than my dad. He always tries to stop me from going places,making me stay in the house while he brings girls over from nightclubs or bars,but he always forgets to lock the door and sleeps most of the time. I've been technically trying to cope on my own for some time. Some people did look after me,but it was hard. But not as hard as this."

Lee began to feel sorry for her,but had another question in his mind.

"What happened to your parents?"

Maria looked at Lee alarmed at what he said.

"I... they,"Maria became depressed and stopped the swing with her hands on the rope,"I'm sorry Lee. I'm not ready to tell you yet because I'm not sure if I can trust everyone yet. But I appreciate you talking to me and Jas."

"Alright,I'm heading out with Mark to check the perimeter. Talk to you two later."

"Bye."said Maria and Jasmine.

Maria watched Lee and Mark walk out of the farm while still pushing Jasmine on the swing and sighed in depression.

"Ye still not talkin' about it?"Jasmine questioned,turning her head to look up at her big half sister.

"Yeah... and I don't plan on telling anyone"answered Maria with no expression on her face other than a frown.

"Ye can't keep it ye'self,neither can I. We have to-"

"We're not telling them!"shouted Maria,she noticed her change of mood and started to calm down.

"I'm sorry Jasmine. I didn't mean to... I just need some time alone."

Jasmine was surprised at Maria's sudden outburst.

When Maria walked off to sit under the gazebo she slowly got off the swing to go over to the tree trunk and sat down on it.

Maria was still watching over to see if Lee,Mark and the others were coming.

Jasmine was also doing the same and was still sat down on the tree trunk,she looked back at Maria to see if she was okay,they both haven't spoke with each other since Maria's outburst by the swing.

Suddenly they saw Lee and Mark run back to the farm,with Mark having an arrow in his shoulder.

Along with Andy,they ran to Lee and Mark with a surprised and frightened expression.

"Lee,what's wrong?"asked Andy

"It was a goddamn ambush out there!"Lee yelled.

Danny ran up to Mark,"Holy shit! Are you okay?"

Andy was angrily surprised,"Bandits?! Here?! On our property?!"

Brenda ran out of the house and saw Mark and was shocked"Oh my Lord! What happened to you sweetheart?!"

"It was those bastards in the woods,Mama."answered Andy

"Are you going to be alright?"Maria asked Mark,"It doesn't look severe,but it's quite deep."

Mark was still in pain but could still talk"Yeah... I'll be alright once it's out,but,goddamn it hurts!"

To make things better and worse,the rest of the group came down from the motor inn at this point.

"Hey,y'all"Kenny greeted,waving his hand up.

Katjaa's eyes widened when she saw the arrow in Mark's shoulder.

"Mark! Oh my God, what happened?!" Katjaa gasped.

"He got shot with an arrow."explained Lee.

"Christ! Are you gonna be okay?!"Lilly asked

"Yeah,I'm fine. I should just... Pull it out..."said Mark

"Oh no,honey,c'mon,Brenda's got you. Come on inside now. We'll have you all sorted out."

Brenda and Katjaa brought Mark inside the farm house when Larry walked up to Lee"What kind of shit is this?"

"We ran into some people on the way up here... bandits I guess."Lee explained"I think it was them that attacked us"

Andy then admitted something about them"They gave us a lot of problems in the beginning,killed a bunch of our farmhands. We were able to get them to stop by makin' a deal."

Kenny looked at the St John brothers"You knew about these people?"

"Food for protection,"replied Danny"Not like we had much of a choice,but they did stop hasslin' us."

"Goddamn it! Carley said this place was locked down tight!"grunted Larry

"Maybe it isn't as safe here as we thought."said Lee,second thinking about the farm.

"Look,we're sorry!"apologized Andy"We've never had them screw with us like this! Not since we started givin' 'em food! Listen,we may have had an agreement with those people,but we will not stand for this shit."

Danny joined his brother "Ain't no way we're gonna let those sons o' bitches get away with this!"

"You know where these assholes are?"asked Kenny

"They're hard to pin down,but I think I know where at least one of their camps are."Danny then looked at Lee"When you're ready to go scope out that bandit camp,come find us."

When Andy and Danny then walked up to the farm house,Lilly began to disagree with this place"Bandits? Are you serious? This place isn't safe,we can't stay here."

Kenny then turned to Lilly"Not safe?! This place is a hell of a lot safer than that motor inn! I think all of us and our guns can handle a couple of punks with bows and arrows!"

Kenny then looked at Lee"What we need to do is find a way to get our whole group out here to stay. Take this place over if we have to."

"Whoa,cool your jets there,Rambo,"said Larry"These are nice people. Let's not do anything to get us thrown out before we eat!"

"I'm gonna head out and help Dan deal with these bandits."Lee spoke to the group"You guys should try to make friends with Andy and Brenda while I'm gone."

"Well that easy."replied Larry"I've got charm coming outta my ass."

"Yeah,that's... real charming dad."responded Lilly

Maria then noticed Ben and Carley were not with them"Wait,where's Ben and Carley?"

"Since Carley and Ben ate some of the food on the way to get us,she volunteered to stay behind and watch the motor inn until we get back."answered Lilly

Maria was glad that they were safe,but was sad that Ben and Carley couldn't come with them.

Jasmine was a little sad that Carley wasn't with them as well,but never cared that Ben wasn't with them.

Maria then saw Andy walk over to Clementine and Duck after talking to Dan about something.

"Hey kids,look what Lee,Jas and Vix got workin' for ya!"

"A swing!"cheered Clem"I love swings! Just like at my treehouse! Come on Duck!

Clementine stopped running when she was right by Lee,Jasmine and Maria"Thanks Lee and Jasmine and Vix!You're the best!"

"Yeah!"Duck yelled

Andy and Lee gave a nod at each other,then Andy went back to the farm house,Kenny went over to the swing to push Duck on it while Larry and Lilly went over to the wooden gazebo.

Maria was still a bit upset at what happened a while ago,but she gave Jasmine a smiling nod and watched Jasmine walk over to sit on the tree trunk next to Clem.

She then gave a nod at Lee then went over to lean by the barn.

While sitting next to Clementine,Jasmine looked at Maria leaning on the barn and sighed sadly.

Clem noticed Jasmine's mood"Are you okay?"she asked.

"Aye,I'm alright Clem,"said Jasmine sadly"Just a bit... tired."

"Seems surprising for girl like yourself to be tired."replied Kenny,still pushing Duck on the swing.

Jasmine groaned "Ugh...Ah'm just so hungry,and so is ma sister. She must be losin' it because before ye came around,she snapped at me! So how was the journey up here for ye?"

"Duck and Kenny wasn't feeling so good." explained Clementine

"Did ye make it safe here as well?"

Jasmine didn't get an answer from Clem,but notice that she nodded her head.

Jasmine noticed Lee was walking up to them after talking to Lilly,Clem thanked Lee for fixing the swing and asked Kenny to let Clem have a go.

"Mind if Clementine takes a turn?"

Kenny stooped pushing Duck on the swing"Alright. Duck, let Clementine have a try for a bit"

"...Okay."Duck sighed and jumped off the swing.

Clementine sat down on the swing while Lee gently pushed her on it"What do you think of the dairy?"

"It's pretty,"Clem answered,"It reminds me of how things used to look before."

"Yeah, it does."Lee agreed.

"Do you think things will ever get back to how they were?

"Yeah. I'm not sure when,but one day things have got to get back to normal."

"That's good. I hope it's soon."

Jasmine smiled,"Aye,me to. It's like what ma sister said to me in this,so long as we still exist,soon will be sooner. Speakin' of which,Ah think Ah'll go see her."Jasmine got up from the tree trunk and walked over to the barn to see Maria sulking.

"Hey Maria"sighed Jasmine

"Hey Jas,I'm sorry I snapped." Maria apologized

"It's alrigh',jus' tough times" Jasmine replied

Maria then stared at the woods "I'm just worried. We're both on the run from our past,and now these bandits are here."

Jasmine looked at Maria in shock"Ye thinkin' they joined them?"

"No, I thought we got away from people killing other people."replied Maria.

They then saw Lee and Danny open the gate to head out into the woods.

"I hope nothing bad will happen to them,Jasmine."

The barn door suddenly opened and Katjaa stepped out and saw Maria and Jasmine talking to each other.

"Hiya Katjaa,is the cow alrigh'?"Jasmine asked

"Maybelle's showing symptoms of pregnancy."answered Katjaa "I think her baby will be due tonight"

"I want to see it!"yelled Jasmine in excitement.

"Can we go in and see the cow?Jasmine gets impatient and eager when things like this happen"Maria explained.

"Just like Duck..."said Katjaa,looking at her son being pushed on the swing by her husband"Okay,you two can go in the barn while I get Andrew,Kenny and the kids."

Jasmine then ran inside the barn along with Maria holding her half sisters hand to see the cow.

Maria and Jasmine were in the barn with others looking after the cow when Lee came back,much to Maria's and Jasmine's relief.

Clementine was looking at the cow and Katjaa could see she wanted to pet Maybelle.

"It's okay Clementine, you can pet her."said Katjaa

Clementine then looked at Lee.

"It's okay,go ahead"Lee replied

Clem took a step forward to the cow and petted the cow's flank"Whoa... Katjaa says Maybelle could have her baby tonight!"

"We'll see Clementine."

Lee then saw a large cube shaped object on the floor"What's this thing?"he questioned

"Daddy says it's called a salt lick"answered Duck

"Yeah,but don't lick it. It's gross"replied Clementine

"It's mingin'"added Jasmine

Lee then looked at Clem and Jas"Did you two lick it?"

Clem and Jas looked at Lee with neutral wide eyed faces,"We don't know"Clem lied.

Maria giggled at them both and shook her head before searching the stables.

"Here Clementine"Maria saw Lee pull out Clem's hat and smiled

"My hat! You found it!" She exclaimed taking from Lee and putting back on her head. "I knew you'd find it! You said you would!"

"Listen,did you... give your hat to anyone?"Lee questioned

"No"answered Clementine truthfully

"Did you see any strangers around the motor inn who might have taken it?"

"No. Why?"asked Clem

"It's probably nothing."said Lee"Just let me know if you ever see anything like that."

"Okay,I will."

Maria was still searching around in one of the stables when Lee walked up to her."Hey,Vix"

"Ow-shit..."Maria was looking underneath the stables and banged her head.

She then saw Lee looking down at her"Hello, Lee"she responded,getting up and rubbing her head.

Lee had a look in the stable Maria was searching"What are doing in here?"

"Just looking around. "answered Maria"I'm making sure I don't find anything dangerous for Jasmine. However I think it should be the other way round if you ask me. Jasmine has a keen eye when it comes to finding stuff."

"I wanna play on the hay!"

"Ah want to as well!"

Maria and Lee saw Duck and Jasmine right by the stable door.

"Just stay close to to the others for now."said Maria

Jasmine and Duck then sulked, drooped their arms and went back over to the cow"Okay." they both sighed

Maria watched Jas and Duck walk back over to the cow,then turned to Lee who then noticed the doors at the back of the barn and went up to it along with Lee in a curious look.

"You both found it too,huh?"

They both turned to see Kenny walking up to them"They're hiding something. Behind this door. I got a quick look. They got boxes of stuff. And something metal and sharp."

"Don't get paranoid."responded Lee

"It's my job to be paranoid,Lee."said Kenny"I got my whole family on this farm right now. How about you two? What about Clem and Jas?"

Lee and Maria looked at Clem and Jasmine,who were still by the cow along with Andrew,Kat and Duck.

"I'll protect Clem,no matter what."answered Lee

"Jasmine's part of my family. I'll guard her with my life"Maria answered as well.

"I know you both will."replied Kenny"Look,that guy with Katjaa... What's-his-name. He locked it up real tight the second we came in. I definitely heard a noise back there."

"What are you saying?"Maria questioned

"My point is,we gotta know for sure. So go find a hammer or something,and I'll have this thing off in a second. You two back me up in case them farmers come running."

"Hang on, man. Think this through."said Lee"You smash the lock. Then what if it turns out your wrong? You just fucked your chance to get a good meal in those kids you're trying to protect. Use your head,Kenny."

"All right,professor. What do you have in mind?"

Lee then looked at what was locking the barn door"Let me have a look at what we're dealing with first."

He observed the barn and managed to find a solution then Kenny spoke"Hey. Lee. You know how to pick a lock,right?"

"No. No! Why would you say that?"asked Lee

"Well. You're... you know... urban?"Kenny answered uneasily

Lee knew where this was going and so did Maria"Oh, you are not saying what I think you're saying."

"Jesus,man! I'm from Florida! Crazy shit just comes out of my mouth sometimes. Sorry"apologized Kenny

Lee then looked at the door again"Hm!"

"What?"Kenny asked

"See those screws? Instead of breaking the padlock,we can just take off the assembly,have a peak inside,and then replace it all again,like nothing ever happened."

"All right. Sounds like you've got a plan. Vix and I will hang around and keep an eye on that guy with the cow."

"His name is Andy,Kenny"corrected Maria

"Shit! I thought that was Danny. Whatever."

"Can I help you folks find something?"

They both turned around and saw Andy standing up a few feet away from them.

"It's nothing. Kenny thought he heard a noise."answered Maria,making an excuse

"He's a little jumpy,huh?"Andy then smiled"Well, we're all sure glad his wife is here. She's a lifesaver- you got no idea. Hey,uh... do me a favor. Don't fuck around with this door,okay. Just,you know,Mama gets nervous."

"Andrew! I need your help again."Katjaa called out to him

"No problem! Right away,doc!"

Kenny then walked over to lean on the stables while Maria and Lee went back over to the cow.

"Have we missed anything?"Lee asked

"No,not really."answered Duck"It smells funny in here"

"Like manure!"said Clem

"Or feces!"added Jasmine

"What do they mean?"questioned Duck.

"Doo-dee!"Duck,Jasmine and Maria giggled at Clem's answer and so did she.

"Kids!"They looked at Katjaa to see her scolding a little, then looked at the cow.

After some time of silence,other than Maybelle's mooing,they heard a bell ringing.

At last,it was dinner time.

"Mom! Dad! Dinner time! It's dinner time!"cheered Duck

"Okay,honey. Let's get Dad"said Katjaa

Duck then ran up to his father. "Daaaad! DAAAD! C'moooon! Let's EAAAAAAT!"

"Kenny? Come along,honey."Katjaa called out.

"Come on! Ah'm starvin'!"yelled Jasmine,pulling on Maria's sleeve.

"Ha,you're right Kat. Jasmine is like Duck"agreed Maria

"Kenny,c'mon,don't make the children wait."Kat called out again

"I'll make an excuse for you... Get that thing off"Kenny whispered to Lee as he head out of the barn with the others.

Maria and Jasmine sat down at the table next to Katjaa,Duck and Danny,hardly waiting for dinner.

"Everybody sit down and I'll go get the meal!"said Brenda"Ooh,this is a delight!"

"Where's Mark?"questioned Lee who was standing by the table.

"Now don't you worry about him. I've already brought some food up. You just let him rest."Brenda answered.

"Mind if I washed my hands first?"

"Bathroom's right outside in the hall. And be sure to get under your nails,you've been muckin' around in the dirt all day."

When Lee walked out of the dining room,Maria just sighed.

"Ye alrigh' Maria?"asked Jasmine.

"I'm fine Jas."

Jasmine knew her half sis was lying and thought of what her problem was herself.

"Ye love Ben,don't ye?"

Jasmine's answer made Maria blush and tried to hide it."I-I don't,well I'm not saying I do-"

"Maria,ye blushing and that says somethin'."

"It does not."Maria responded in a cross tone,but then calm down and whispered to Jasmine"Look,I haven't met anyone my age since,'the place only you and I know where'. And besides I don't know if he loves me. I never... felt it before. Ever.

Brenda then brought a plate of food down to them.

It looked delicious,biscuits,beans and it's main course is...meat?

Maria looked surprised at the meal,but Jasmine didn't care and just ate like it was nothing.

Maria then ate along with her half sister,but only the beans and the biscuits.

"Lee,did you fall in?!"Brenda laughed"Dinner's on the table and everyone's havin' at!"

Maria then looked at the hallway and then back at her dinner.

She then saw Clementine about to try some,so she cut the piece of the meat and when it was about to reach her mouth.

"DON'T EAT THAT!"

Clementine and Maria looked at Lee and then they put both of their forks down while everyone,other than Duck who continued to eat looked up at Lee in confusion.

"Lee,Jesus,man! Did you find something?"Kenny questioned

"Sit your ass down,Lee. This lady has made you a meal."growled Larry

"Yeah,Lee,what's gotten into you?"asked Lilly

"You're eating HUMAN meat!"Lee breathed out.

Jasmine then looked at her plate then the others in shock.

Maria then moved closer to Jasmine to comfort her.

"That's crazy."replied Lilly

"Now,now..."reassured Brenda

"You're scaring the kids,Lee."commented Kenny

"Lee,what the hell is wrong with you?!"questioned Lilly

"Don't indulge him,Lilly. It's always something with this guy"grunted Larry,looking at Lee.

Katjaa then grabbed Duck's plate while he was still eating"Mom! I was eating that!"he moaned

"What is going on?!"Lily questioned again.

"They're picking us off to trade as meat."said Lee

"Your out of your skull!"shouted Larry

Lee then raised his voice"MARK,is UPSTAIRS right now with NO LEGS! BRENDA,tell me he's NOT being eaten right now."

Everyone looked at the St John brothers,then at Brenda.

"It's true."Brenda confessed.

"Everything coulda' turned out okay for you folks."sighed Danny staring down at his plate.

"He woulda' died anyway! We gotta think about livin'!"Andy shouted at them

"Settle down,honey"Brenda ordered Andy and then looked at the group"Growing up in rural Georgia,you're taught not to waste. It's how I was raised and how I raised my boys. Now, you got monsters roamin' around that do nothing but eat people. And for what? To continue to rot til' they eat some more. We think we can put that meat to better use."

"You're all sick..." Lee gasped"Sick in the head."

Brenda scowled at Lee"Lee,that's not a very nice thing to imply."she then looked down for a moment and then at the group"Andy is right; we go after folks who were gonna die anyways,one way or another."

Danny suddenly stopped eating and looked up to the rest of the group. "Like y'all..."

"Clementine,run!"shouted Lee

Clem was about get off her seat when the St john brothers got their guns out.

"Nobody's going anywhere!"shouted Andy

"We got lots of use for y'all right here."said Danny

Larry started to sputter a bit at Brenda while Lilly looked enraged at the brothers"Put your guns down we're walking out of here!"

"Mommy,I don't wanna die. Mommy what did I eat?"whimpered Duck

"Everyone! Everything will be okay!"Lee assured

"Lee! Lee...!"replied Clementine frightened

Suddenly Andy grabbed Clem's hair and pulled her out of her seat,which angered Lee

"Let go of her you son of a bitch-!"yelled Lee charging to him but kept his distance when Danny held his rifle against Lee's neck.

Then there was the sound of someone falling down the stairs,the group gasped when they saw Mark crawling on the floor,legless and losing blood.

When Lee tried to get Clementine,Danny knocked him unconscious with his rifle.

Before Maria and Jasmine even knew what was going on,they were separated.

Maria was sat down, tied up next to the cow and Jasmine was taken away by Andy.

She was struggling to get herself free but it was no use,even if she did manage to get out Danny will just shoot her.

"...If Daddy were here everything would be fine. That's when things started going to shit around here anyway. Daddy had an order to things. You knew what you were supposed to be doing. Now it's all just whatever!"

"You do know I can hear your muttering,cannibal."Maria pointed out,her eyes narrowing at him.

Danny looked over to her,"Don't matter if you can. You'll be dead like the rest of 'em."

"But alive longer,cannibals like you tend to leave flesh like mine and Jasmine's last. Other than special occasions."Maria quietly spoke that last bit out.

She then felt the urge to look another way because someone was sneaking up to her,when she did she saw Lee and Kenny out of the meat locker,she was glad they were free,but turned back into her neutral state in case Dan looked at her again.

"Dan,what are you doing outside the barn?"

Maria turned her head to see Andy walk up to Danny.

"Just guarding the place,like you said."Danny answered his brother

Maria turned her head back where Lee and Kenny was,she couldn't see them,but she noticed lee peeping from one of the barn's wooden gate.

"Well,quit sittin' out in the rain like a damn weirdo,"said Andy,"Mama says we can't keep that many folks alive and not expect trouble. Pick one to keep and kill the rest."

"That isn't going to happen."Maria interrupted,looking at them.

"Shut the fuck up,woman"Andy responded.

"That isn't going to happen!"she repeated,"Other people are back at the motor inn,they'll be wondering why we're late and when they find out,they'll stop you or die trying."

"Maybe we could keep her,then kill her sister."

What Danny just said made Maria frightened,then angry at the same time.

"Over my dead body and walking rotting corpse! I'll kill you if you both lay a finger on her!"she shouted,struggling with her hands tied back.

"Then we'll just kill you instead."replied Andy

After that Andy walked away from his brother,Maria then looked at Danny who was holding a bear trap that was familiar to the one she found in the woods.

"Even if your friends do get out,they've got another thing comin'."he said,before placing the trap down and setting it up,then looked at the same gate Lee and Kenny were hiding in,seeing their legs from the gate.

Maria,already knowing Danny spotted them watched him go up to the barn gate where they were and began to cry,it was already obvious that when they did that to Mark,they were going to do the same to her,Jasmine and the others.

Suddenly,she heard a gunshot and stopped crying to see Lee and Danny fight each other,Lee attacked Dan with a hay hook,but he kicked him off his feet and pulled it out,aiming the gun at him while Maria watched fearfully.

Suddenly,Lilly attacked Danny with a sickle,making him stagger back into the bear trap,Maria smiled when the metal clamped together,trapping his leg and making the blood leak out onto the hey.

"Ha! Karma's a bitch,isn't it Daniel?"Maria replied,while Lee untied the bindings around her.

"Thank God,Lee. I thought you were going to be out much longer."sighed Maria while Lee was untying her"They've held Jasmine hostage in the house along with Katjaa and Duck as well."

"It's all right,Maria. Your safe now."said Lee

Maria then stood up and rubbed her wrists after Lee untied her,"Thank you,Lee. They really know how to tighten a knot."

Kenny then opened the gate and they both looked at him crossly,before Kenny could say a word Katjaa's scream was heard and Kenny ran out of the barn and off somewhere.

They both walked back up to Danny and Lee grabbed the pitchfork off the haystack and aimed it at Danny.

Danny looked up at him,"Eerrgghhh! You see?! You understand now,don't you?! You can have me! It's how the world works now! Give part of yourself... so others can live!"

"I should fucking kill you right now."Lilly hissed.

Maria looked back at Lilly and saw Clementine behind her,but noticed the blood on the lower part of her face,neck and upper part of her clothes.

"What the fuck happened in that meat locker?"she thought,"And where's Larry?"

"Cannibalism is NOT the answer!"shouted Lee,"Aren't the walkers eating enough of us?!"

"You gotta keep me alive. If you kill me,the meat gets tainted! You can't eat it!

"You're already tainted!"

"You ain't gonna kill me,just like you didn't kill Jolene..."

Lee struck the pitch fork before Danny could say anything else,it landed in the hay stack on the other side of him,"This is NOT how the world works now. You won't make me kill you!"

He looked at Lilly,who gave a nod at him,then Maria and down at Clementine,who smiled at him because of his decision,then he turned to look outside.

"Come on,we have to save them."said Maria

"Go,"Lilly spoke to Lee,"I'll cover you and Vix."

"Okay,Lilly. Thank you."Maria agreed and looked at Clem,"Clem,stay by Lilly for us. Okay,sweetheart?"

Clementine responded with a nod,then Lee and Maria walked out of the barn.

They both got outside to see the rain had gotten heavier than before and thunder and lightning striking in the distance,the quickly went under the porch to shield themselves from the rain.

"KENNY!"Lee called out to him,but all that was heard were the rain,thunder and lightning from the storm.

Faint growls were heard and they both turned to the cornfield to see a walker stagger up to the electric fence.

Suddenly it was hit on the back of the head with an axe then someone came into view.

"Carley!"Lee called

"Lee? Vix?"responded Carley

Then Ben was seen walking right behind her.

"Is everyone okay?"questioned Carley "You guys have been gone WAY too long!"

"They attacked us."Lee answered

"I knew it! I told you we couldn't trust them."Ben said to Carley.

"Shit. How many of them are there?"Carley asked

"Two left."said Lee" And Larry's dead. They chopped off Mark's legs and tried to feed them to us!"

"Shit! Is everyone else okay?"

"They've got Jasmine,Katjaa and Duck with them insidethe house,and we have no clue where Kenny could be!"answered Maria

"All right,we're coming in to help"replied Carley while Ben nodded in response.

''The main gate is too dangerous."Lee warned,"Go around the fence and see if there's a back way in. We'll keep looking for Kenny. Do you have a weapon?"

"I don't leave home without it."replied Carley reloading her gun"Ben,stay close. And Lee,Vix be careful."

When Carley and Ben walked through the cornfield to find another way in.

Lee and Maria then made their way up to the house,they heard Kat's screams and Brenda telling her to keep her mouth shut and calm down.

Maria then heard Andy noticing something and was going out the back,taking Duck and Jasmine.

"I'll keep an eye out,you get Katjaa"Maria then split up going around the house while Lee head towards the door.

She crept slowly around one of the sides and had her back to the wall of the house and looked at each sides to see if Andy was anywhere with Duck and Jasmine.

Suddenly a noise startled her but sighed in relief as she saw Ben and Carley find their way into the dairy and ran up to them.

"Vix! Oh thank God. Are you're okay?" Ben questioned

"Where's Lee?"asked Carley

"He's getting Katjaa,but Andy took Jasmine and Duck!"cried Maria

"I said don't move,asshole!"

"Don't you fucking hurt them!"

Maria then knew that Kenny found Andy and by 'them' he means Duck and Jasmine.

She along with Ben and Carley ran to the front of the farm and along with Lee and Katjaa,saw Kenny a few feet away from Andy who was holding a rifle at the back of Jas and Duck's head.

"Let them go,God damn it!"shouted Kenny

Andy still held Jasmine and Duck "That ain't gonna happen!"

Maria looked at the situation with her eyes wide,her hands on her shaking head and her breathing faster than her thumping heartbeats.

She didn't want the bad things to be remembered,the memories coming back to her.

Her eyes instantly opened and everything almost stopped but could see Kenny charging at Andy,in response she quickly ran towards him and-

BANG

Maria and Kenny fell and tumbled to the lower ground of the farm.

Kenny then rose to his feet and saw blood,but didn't feel like he was shot,that was when he looked down at the trail of blood leading to Maria,lying on her front with a gunshot wound.

"Vix!"cried Ben,Jasmine and Clementine,who was standing right by the barn with Lilly.

Katjaa ran to Maria's aid along with Ben and Carley.

Maria turned her head to Lee and Andy,holding her wound and watching what was happening.

Andy was now screaming at Lee, ''You think I'm playin' here boy?! All we wanted was gas. We came to you peacefully!"

Carley in anger at Andy didthen raised her gun and shot his ear.

Andy threw his hand to his ear, instantly releasing Duck and Jasmine who ran to the others.

Lee ran up to him, grabbing his rifle, and they wrestled with each other.

They both fell and rolled down the hill,dropping the gun a few centimeters away from where the others were and breaking the fence at the bottom.

"Maria..."whispered Jasmine

"It's okay... I'm... fine" replied Maria,trying not to let the injury bother her.

She then looked up at the fight to see Lee struggling to not be pushed into the electric fence by Andy.

Maria then saw the rifle on the ground near her and used her other hand that wasn't holding her wound to try and reach it.

Jasmine then saw her hand trying to get the gun,she kicked it towards her who then used her strength to sit up and shoot Andy,knocking him down on his back.

When Lee got back up on his feet,he punched Andy repeatedly but Andy got up and attacked again,continuing the fight until Lee managed to throw him down on the electric fence,Andy was now on the ground after being electrocuted,alive but weak.

After seeing him defeated Lee decided Andy had enough and was was walking to the group,but stopped when Andy spoke while tryingto get up.

"Is that all ya got,Lee?" He taunted "...You ain't shit!"

'IT'S OVER!'' Lee screamed.

"Fuck you,"replied Andy,struggling and slowly getting up" As soon as Dan and Mama get out here, you..you're all fucked!"

"They're both dead!'' Lee shouted.

''What did you do? WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!'' Andy sobbed.

Lee looked down, and walked away towards the group.

''Don't you dare walk away from me, Lee!'' Andy yelled and then fell down onto his knees.

''Get back here and finish this,Lee!'' Lee was in between when he looked at his group and Andy.

Maria and Jasmine,though was reluctant to do so shook their heads as a sign to not do it when Lee looked at his group.

"Get back here and fight me like a man, Lee!'' Andy screamed hopelessly, as Lee re-joined his group.

''Leeeeeee!'' Andy cried.

"They're getting in!"shouted Clementine,when the generator died, walkers started to surround the sides of the farm, crushing the fence.

Lee,not looking back at the farm pushed through the middle of the group, ''Let's go, let's go!''

Clementine ran after him and the others followed behind him,apart from Lilly who looked at the farm for a moment before turning and walking towards the group while Andy still cried out Lee's name.

The storm stopped as the group walked, aside from the sound of crickets chirping and the heavy footsteps of the group,everything was quiet.

Until Carley finally broke the silence, talking quietly, ''Hey Lee, I'd say I'm sorry for leaving the motel unattended, but ya know.''

I'm glad you guys showed up when you did,''said Lee ''If you hadn't taken that shot at Andy, we might not have gotten out of there."

Were they really eating people.. for food?'' Carley said disgusted. "

"Yeah. And Clementine almost ate some..."Lee paused

"But?"Carley questioned,wanting to know the rest.

"I stopped her, I just can't leave her alone, Carley. This fucking world, now. It's hiding just, unspeakable shit at every turn."

Maria was holding one of her hands on her wound walking slowly,accompanied by Jasmine with Kenny's family behind them and Ben in front of them.

"Ye... took the she shot...to stop the memories of-"blurted out Jasmine

"Yeah"replied Maria,wincing at the pain"It's beginning to come back,like its haunting me."

She then sighed and looked at her half sister"Look, I may not be able to tell the group about ... you-know-what,but if you want to tell anyone in the group,then by all means."

"Hey,Vix"Maria then turned her head Kenny call out her name"Thanks for saving my ass back there."

"Your welcome."Maria smiled at Kenny"I just didn't want to see anyone else get hurt.

"But,you're hurt."Kenny responded,looking at her wound

"Vix? Hurt? Kenny ma half sister is a strong lass. She can't get hurt that easy."said Jasmine looking at Maria.

Kenny just smiled at the two of them and then looked at Lee"You guys go on and give me and Lee a second?''

Katjaa and Duck walked with the rest of the group while Kenny and Lee stayed behind for a bit to talk.

"Jasmine,why don't you go talk to Duck or something"asked Maria

"Are ye gonna be alrigh'?"said Jasmine worryingly.

"Yeah,I'll be fine"Maria answered with a smile as she watched her half sister go on with the others.

Maria continued to walk alone for the next few miles,still holding her wound as well as looking down.

She then saw Ben slowing down to her and looked up to him.

"Do you need any help?"Ben asked uneasily

"I... I don't know"Maria answered,she was saying she was fine but...

"Well... If you need any help or... something-"

"I'm fine! Jeez,Ben. Do you worry about me or something?"

Maria was surprised at what she said and Ben looked down sadly.

"Because..."Maria went closer to him"I worry about you as well."

They both smiled at each other and Ben put her arm around her for support.

Jasmine saw this when she looked back on her sister and did an angry glare at Ben before turning away when Duck heard something''Hey dad, what's that noise?''

Kenny walked past the group to hear the noise better,"Sounds like a car!"

"Oh, God... not more strangers."Ben said with Maria feeling him hold her close,making her know hes scared and of course making her blush a little bit.

The group hurried quietly around a corner, revealing a dirty brown station wagon with its lights on, and door open.

"Don't shoot... we're here to help!''Lee shouted at the car to see if there were people alive in there while the group approached the car slowly.

When they were close they saw the car was empty.

Lee reached into the car taking the keys"Figures"he muttered under his breath.

"Oh crap'' Kenny said shocked, ''Baby, you've gotta see this... There is a shit load of food and supplies back here!"

The rest of the group joined Kenny and Lee, and were surprised at the sight.

"This food could save all of us!"Katjaa announced.

''Not All of us.'' said Lily,looking away.

Kenny sighed loudly.

''Look we don't know if these people are dead...'' Ben replied looking at the car and the stuff.

Lilly looked at the stuff"If they come back,then we're just monsters who came out of the woods and ruined their lives."

"That's true"agreed Maria"The people who owned this can't abandon stuff like this just like that. Plus there's no blood on the car. Well,other than walker muck."

Clementine agreed with Maria ''This stuff isn't ours.''

''Dad, whose car is it?'' Duck looked up to Kenny.

Don't worry about that Duck, it's our now.'' Kenny looked at his son.

Katjaa joined in, ''It's abandoned, Ducky. Don't worry.''

''What if it's not? What if it's not abandoned? What if it is someone's?'' Clemmy added.

Lee walked up to Clementine, ''You're right, we shouldn't take this.'' Lee spoke calmly.

Kenny looked at Lee in shock ''What?! Did you get some meal back there the rest of us missed out on?! We HAVE to take this stuff.'' Ken announced.

"Clementine and I don't want any part of this."disagreed Lee

''We're starving. Suit yourself. The rest of us are taking this stuff.''

Lee gave Kenny the keys in silence.

"I should go over to them."Maria replied to Ben"I don't want to strain my wound while i'm carrying things. Thanks for the help"

Maria slowly walked over to Lee and Clem,who held his hand while Kenny opened the boot of the boot of the car.

Now what have we got in here?'' Kenny wondered.

"They have antibiotics!"Katjaa pointed out delightedly."What else do they have?"

"See if there's any water...'' Carley added.

''Here,'' Kenny handed a box full of supplies to Ben.

"Lee, there's a hoodie in here,could probably fit Clementine!'' Katjaa suggested kindly.

Lee looked down for Clementine's approval and saw her shook her head softly. ''She's good. Thanks.''

''Whatever man, it's gonna get cold out eventually." Kenny said helpfully.

"Ah guess it's mine then." Jasmine took the hoodie and ran up to Maria,and saw her scowling at her.

"What?"Jasmine questioned Maria"Ah'm not gettin' frostbite"

Maria just sighed and helped Jasmine put the hoodie on.

Carley then walked over to them "Hey. There was some batteries in one of those boxes. I thought they might work in your camcorder."

She reached in her pocket and held a pack out to Clem. "Here, you can have some too...for your walkie-talkie."

"Batteries huh?" Lee smiled,teasing Carley. "Think you can handle those?"

"You're not gonna let me live that down are you?" Carley asked him,smiling as well.

Maria and Jasmine just giggled at them.

"Oh,God."Carley spoke slowly Lee. You're gonna want to see this..."

Lee and Maria walked over to Carley while Jasmine talked to Clementine and were surprised at what they saw on the now working camcorder.

"Oh, shit!"Lee gasped.

They saw that they were being watched by someone,stalking them and was more focused on Clementine.

The camera then showed a tent with a soft toy bunny,covered in blood with a woman 'Jolene' backing into the tent screaming at the bandits that look like the ones they saw in the woods.

"JAKE,BART,LINDA AND ALL Y'ALL FUCKIN' SICKOS FROM THE SAVE-LOTS! THEY CALL Y'ALL BANDITS! BUT YOUR FUCKIN' RAPIST MONSTERS-!"

The camera then cut off to show the group at the motor inn around the time Ben,Maria and Jasmine came over.

"Oh darlin',baby. Look at you. Look. At. You. Oh,you need a mama,sweetheart. We won't let them bandits get you,will we?"

Jolene then saw Lee ask Clementine where her hat was and Clementine asking Lee if he could find it.

''How ya doing, Clementine?''

''Okay."

"Where's your hat?''

''I don't know. Can you help me find it?"

"Sure,when did you lose it?

"I had it a couple of days ago"

"I promise,if I find it,I'll let you know."

"Ya'll thinkin' you're safe,sittin' there actin' like things are the the way they used to be."Jolene turned the camera so her face was in view.

"The dead don't kill their own. It's the livin' you've gotta be afraid of... the people I used to call friends...The people who took..."

Jolene was about to cry,but then told the camera something that the group should of known before "Don't worry,little girl. Bandits got their eye on that dairy. As long as they keep gettin' food from them,you'll be safe. I promise.

Those words echoed and repeated in Maria's mind,even when everyone started to walk back to the motor inn.

Maria began to think it through,if the farm is gone,the bandits will find another place to get supplies,and with them now having supplies and living a few miles away.

"This place isn't safe anymore"she thought,"We have to go."

They finally reached the Motor Inn after some time later,to the group's relief,not a single walker was in sight.

Katjaa and Carley then took Maria to the back of the truck to treat the wound.

Maria sat down and winced at pain while doing so,she then saw Katjaa take out some of the items in the boxes from the car.

"I'll try to make it less painful as I can"reassured Katjaa

Maria nodded"Okay..."

Kat then began to clean the blood that was coming out of Maria's wound,Maria git her teeth every time she felt a sting but it wasn't as painful as she thought,probably she already dealt with too much pain anyway.

Maria then noticed Jasmine carrying Maria's bag,she put it down in front of them and searched in it until she picked up tweezers and gave it to Kat."Here,in case ye need to pick out black stones or bullets."

Katjaa smiled"Thank you,Jasmine."

"How do you know that guns have these things?"questioned Carley

"I told her that."answered Maria.

Carley was surprised at Maria but smiled at her "That's good advice."

"Hey,Jasmine!Wanna play?"shouted Duck with a football right under his arm.

"Okay,Duck! Ah'll go first."Jasmine called out running over to Duck.

Maria watched them play for a moment,before looking around the place,avoiding the wound.

"So,has anything happened while we were away?"Maria asked to Carley,but still kept her eyes on him.

"Nothing much,"said Carley"Everything was quiet and I spent the day getting some rooms cleared so you,Ben and Jasmine will have a place to sleep."

Maria then looked at Carley surprised"You did? I... thank you."

She then looked at her wound and at Katjaa.

"How is it?"she asked

"I don't know,but your bleeding isn't serious so I don't think the bullet damaged anything else."Katjaa answered

Maria sighed in relief,she didn't want her wound to be too serious for obvious reasons.

Her gaze then caught Ben on the first floor balcony again,she sighed,she does feel odd to admit it but he looks... cute.

"He thinks about you"Carley told Maria"He got worried when you and the others didn't come back."

"I thought about him as well,back at the farm."Maria responded"We just met,but I never thought I would feel this way. And I know you think about Lee the same way."

Carley then turned to Lee,who was spending time with Clementine.

Katjaa then got Maria's attention "I need to see if anything else needs to be cleaned. Could you please lift your shirt up?"

Maria looked at Katjaa in surprise and shyness."I.."

"Is there something wrong?"Carley asked suspiciously

"No, I'm fine. It's just that before I met your group,I had uh injuries during the days of this apocalypse."

Maria slowly lift her top a bit to let Katjaa clean her wound,but Katjaa and Carley were surprised at what they saw.

Maria's front and back were all covered in various types of scars,though some of them were barely noticed whatever caused them the pain had to be excruciating"It's best not to know about what the injuries are."

"Well,whatever the injuries were you were pretty brave not letting it bother you."said Carley

"Well,It's like what Jasmine said;I'm a tough girl."

Katjaa finished cleaning out Maria's wound and began to dress it up with some bandages and plasters"There,you should probably rest for a bit."

"Okay. Thank you,Katjaa"said Maria

"I'll show you where your room is. You can rest there while you get better."suggested Carley

Maria grabbed her bag and began walking with Carley to her room.

She was shown the door to her room by Carley and when she opened the door to see it she was suprised at how clean it was,it wasn't spotless,but normally a room can'tstay as it is for whole season.

Her room looked similar to the others,but had a different a double sized bed cover,some shelves and a small round table with some chairs.

"Well,it's not like my bedroom,"she admitted"But It's still nice nonetheless."

"Here,I'll help you unpack."replied Carley

"I appreciate it,Carley,but I'll be able to to do this by myself."Maria disagreed kindly

Maria put her bag on the bed and began rooting around to pick anything and choose a place for it.

"I know who you and your sister are,Vix."

Maria then turned to Carley with a confused yet surprised look.

"Your Maria Fox. You and your half sister,Jasmine were living in Britain when both of you,your mom and step dad went to Orlando. When the walkers showed up,you and Jasmine were found by their community and they changed both of your lives,That's how you got those scars."

"And that was how I got my nickname, Vix"added Maria"You surprise me;you poke around in new people's things and can shoot bullets at walkers like a professional"

Carley smiled"Well you don't fuck with a reporter. I paid attention to you both and your a great kid protecting that girl,even though she's quite the handful."

"Well,that hideous master of his little clan has damaged her from maybe beyond repair but she's still family."said Maria"You protect her and others more than yourself. If only Larry understood the 'others' part. Shame. He was a good father,trying to not let emotions get the better of him so he could protect his daughter."

Carley nodded in agreement at what Maria just said,then continued talking to her"Did you tell anybody out there what both of you did before you came here?"asked Carley

Maria shook her head"No. I did talk to Lee about me and Jasmine living in Britain,but not anything else. Jasmine said she will one day,but she seems to play with Duck a lot to even think about talking to them."

After that she turned to Carley,desperately"Look,I may want to tell someone but I've been through a lot. And after whats happened and what I've done I fear that everyone will not trust me. Please don't tell anyone about this."

Carley wanted her to tell the whole truth about what she and her half sister did for the past 3 months,but knew they both had a rough time and suffered so much.

"Okay."she eventually agreed

Maria was glad Carley trusted her and hugged her gently,"Thank you."

"I'll let you get back to your things."replied Carley and she started to walk out of Maria's room.

"Carley."she looked back at Maria when she heard her name when she was by the door,"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome,Maria."Carley smiled one last time at her before closing the door shut.

Maria then continued to put her stuff in places she liked,her diary and video camera as well as an ordinary one on the table,her books on shelves. Anything she had in her bag was put in the room to make it more comfortable.

Then she pulled out her crowbars,katana and Jasmine's crossbow from her bag,she was about to put them by the table but heard noises from outside and her eyes caught a glimpse of Lilly,who was now arguing with Kenny about whether they should leave the motor inn or go somewhere else.

She had to hide these just in case,she knew some people will become insane from what those people saw,and now with their being bandits and with what Maria heard from her window with Lilly being the one wanting to stay,she had to protect her weapons.

She noticed two of the floorboards were loose and used that to hide her weapons that were in the bag and closed the curtains a little to her delight to sit down and read a book and began to take nonotice of whats going on around her,in fact she was so focused on her book that she didn't realize Lee came through the door after reading a few pages.

"Hey,Vix."said Lee

Maria jumped a bit after seeing Lee but calmed down quickly"Oh hello,Lee."

"What's that your reading?"Lee asked,looking at Maria's book.

"It's just a book of one of my favorite lessons."explained Maria,showing him the cover of the book"It's an astronomy book. I also have some science and history books."

Lee smiled"You're interested in history?"

"Yeah! And I'm guessing you're into history as well?"

"Yeah. I was a professor at UGA."

Maria raised an eyebrow"The University of Georgia? Huh. Guess that explains Kenny calling you professor at the farm."

"How much do you know about history?"questioned Lee

"I don't know everything about history,"answered Maria"But I have seen a lot of historical facts from my country. I used to go to the museums in Liverpool. Went to The World Museum on a primary school trip. Probably one of the reasons I got interested in it,well other than my teacher Mr Appleby. I wish I could learn more,even though I'm not in highschool anymore and in my college years."

"Maybe I could teach you a thing or two sometime."Lee suggested

Maria smiled at Lee's suggestion"That would be nice. I've always wanted to know more about the history here in America,even Civil War History."

"Vix!"

Maria and Lee looked over by the door and saw Jasmine,Duck and Clementine.

"What is it,Jasmine?"asked Maria but then tried to guess it"Wait,don't tell me. You kicked the ball over the walls and it's now in the woods and you're asking me to retrieve it?"

Jasmine nodded her head.

"Alright,"Maria sighed,getting off the bed,"I'll get it."

Lee then put one of his hands out to stop her"Hold on there,Vix. Katjaa needs you to rest."

Maria walked over to the door,"I've rested long enough,Lee."she replied and left her room.

Uh oh,looks like somethings going to happen.

Sorry if the characters look out of line,I'm trying my best.

And thanks TJ for favoriting my story!

Maria carefully crept through the forest,hoping to find the ball,but she was beginning to have second thoughts about going in the woods.

"What am I doing?"she said to herself"Going in the woods with no weapon?It's like risking a death sentence. Again."

She continued to walk through the woods until she noticed a black and white object on the floor.

It was the ball! Finally she could get back to the camp,she picked it up but it began to deflate a little,did it get punctured when it landed?

She turned the ball over and noticed an arrow inside it,thats when she knew there was trouble.

"Bandits."she whispered bitterly and began to run back.

Suddenly an arrow landed on a tree right by Maria,forcing her to turn around to see a bandit holding a crossbow.

She looked around and saw more of them,holding their crossbows and guns.

One of them spoke"Well,look what we have here. A pretty little lady,alone in the woods"

Maria recognized the bandit on the video camera and stood defensively.

"Don't get your hopes up"she responded"I'm more than just a 'pretty little lady'."

"I bet you are."Drew replied admiringly

Maria scowled at Drew"Don't bother trying to flirt with me because that's not going to work,especially the rest of you."

She looked at the rest of them"Why are you here?Because people who are back there will shoot you after what you did to Mark and that women with her daughter."

"Don't worry,sweetheart,"Gary flirted,"We treat girls like you differently. You'll be happy if you come with us."

Maria felt disgusted"You think killing people who are trying to survive as well and raping them is what you call 'happy'?

She was about to give them an obvious answer when Ben jumped out between Maria and the bandits.

"You're not taking,Vix anywhere!" Ben shouted at them.

"Ben?!"exclaimed Maria,"What are you doing?!"

"You never told us you have a boyfriend."Gary replied to Maria

Drew took one look at Ben and laughed"Well wouldn't you know. It's one of the boys who got away from that camp we raided. Hope you and your friends enjoyed the show when we came to your hideout."

When the bandits started to laugh Maria then punched Drew and he fell to the ground.

Maria took hold of his gun and gun and aimed at his forehead"You leave,Ben out of this."she growled.

She looked up at the other bandits"If you all really want to live until the end of this or longer,then I suggest you get out of here before a bullet enters your skull."

The bandit leader just laughed"After what you did to the farm we ain't goin' nowhere. We'll leave you alone for now,but we'll come back sooner than you think."

When Maria let Drew go,the bandits then retreated back into woods until there was no sign of them.

Maria was about to tell Ben that they should go back to warn the others,but was surprised by the tight hug he gave her.

Maria then wrapped her arms around him as well,she enjoyed the embrace in all honesty.

"Oh thank god you're alive."Ben sighed but was still shaken up"I-I heard you were going into the woods and-"

"It's okay,Ben"Maria replied holding him tightly.

"You stood up to them."Maria pointed out when they both released each other from the hug.

Ben began to blush at what she said,rubbing the back of his head"I-I didn't know what came over me. When I saw you surrounded I just... lost it. I didn't want lose you,like I lost all my classmates,I'm the only one that made it out alive."

Maria saw him almost crying and wiped his eyes,before kissing him on the cheek"I'm glad you showed up when you did."

Ben was a bit stunned by the kiss,he rubbed his cheek and smiled at her"Me too."

"Come on,we have to warn them. Before they and the walkers come."

"Right."

They both ran fast out of the woods and quickly went back to the Motor Inn.

When managed to make it out of the woods and back to the motor Inn,they were greeted by Jasmine,who was glad at first but disappeared when she looked at Ben.

"I see ye two are back,"said Jasmine neutral"Did ye get the ball?"

Maria and Ben both looked at each other and back at Jasmine.

"Yes,"answered Maria"but that doesn't mean it's good news"

She put the ball on the ground and Jasmine noticed the arrow sticking out.

Maria crouched down to Jasmine"I'm sorry Jas,I ran into some trouble,but everything's fine."

Jas was upset that the ball was deflated but nodded at Maria before glaring at Ben.

"Come on,you should get to your room and go the sleep."

"Aww"Jasmine groaned,but she didn't argue and began to walk to her room along with Clementine and Duck.

"I don't think your sister likes me."said Ben

Maria stood back up"Half sister,actually. She just seeks attention from me and worries that anyone I get close to will keep me away from her. Don't worry It'll pass one day."

She began to walk up to Lee who was with Carley,he noticed Maria walking up to him and was relieved to see her back.

"I'm glad to see you're back,Vix."he said

"I'm glad to even be alive as well as be back here."Maria replied "Because We've got a problem."

"What is it?"Carley asked.

"The bandits."Maria explained "She was right,they know where we are. I went to retrieve the ball for Jasmine when it got kicked over the walls and into the woods. When I found it,it had an arrow in it. I was about to run back but I was cornered by them"

"They didn't hurt you did they?"asked Lee with concern

"No,but if Ben hadn't showed up and I didn't punch one of them,we would probably be dead sooner."

"Ben really did that?"Carley responded,surprised

Maria nodded,"It was unexpected of him,but you're right he does care greatly for me,"she then looked at the woods again,"Do you think you agree on staying here?"

"I'm not sure,"said Lee honestly,"But you we're pretty brave facing them"

"Thanks,"Maria replied,"I should probably check on Jasmine.I'll see you later."

Maria opened the door to Jasmine's room and saw her just sitting on the bed,legs folded and staring at the floor.

"Jasmine,what are you doing?"she asked"You need your rest."

Jasmine didn't look at Maria,but only spoke a few words"Carley knows about Barnett."

Maria wasn't surprised because Jasmine sometimes listen to conversation curiously but sighed and sat by her half-sister,"I know...she told me."

"Do ye trust her?"Jasmine questioned after a moment.

"Yeah,I do."Maria answered,"I feel like she can keep a secret, or better still not tell anyone who spreads secrets around."

Jasmine then looked at Maria"Does Lee know?I noticed him in yer room"

She shook her head"No,we just had a lot in common about history. He was a University professor."

Jasmine rolled her eyes"Lee's alrigh' Ah'll give ye that. But Ah still don't trust that lad ye keep thinkin' about."

Maria looked at Jasmine"Look, I know you get jealous about me being with Ben,but you both need to start to get along. One day you'll find someone who makes you feel the way I feel now and then you'll understand."

Maria got off the bed and tucked Jasmine into bed,"Now,get some sleep."

Jasmine laid down so the pillow was resting on her on her head and after five seconds she was now fast asleep.

Maria got up and kissed her on the forehead,she carefully opened the door and closed it behind her to go to her room.

Yeah as you can see romance isn't what I'm good at,but still it's a start.

REMEMBER TO SUPPORT MY FANFIC BY REVIEWING,FOLLOWING AND FAVORITING!

Maria opened the door to her room and took her hair bobble out to brush it with a comb and sighed,family's comfort was always useful when Jasmine wasn't tired and it made her feel better,but when experiencing something like this in reality,you begin to wonder if it made her feel better or cry in her sleep.

She tied her hear up in a ponytail after brushing her hair and turned to her bed to be surprised,she saw Ben was sitting on her bed but he was sulking.

"Can't sleep as well?"she questioned,before sitting on the bed with him.

Ben's eyes looked at her but went back to stare at the ground.

"What a day it's been. Rest of us nearly got turned into dead meat literally,Me getting shot-"

"I know who you and Jasmine are."

Maria was definitely full on surprised,but didn't look curious when Ben hold out her video camera.

"I...I'm sorry,Ben"she apologized

Ben looked at her"You could of just told me. Maybe then I would of been less worried about you."

"Do any of us want to talk about a past like that? And I was going to tell you but I didn't know when was the right time,or how you would react."

Maria took the camera from Ben and placed it back on the table"I suppose it's best to tell you now."

She sat by him and began to tell her story"Me and Jasmine came to Orlando as well as my mother and stepfather,hoping to have a great 2 week holiday. Then walkers showed up on the day I had to babysit Jas,only recently finding out a message was left by my mum and step dad ages ago,telling me to keep Jasmine safe with my life. Before Bruce Barnett took over the place I stayed in for two months,Chloe was the leader of the group. One of her members and her husband,Austin found me and Jas and saved our lives. After we both knew how to use a weapon and we thought we were safe,Chloe was killed by Bruce and Jasmine saw it with her own eyes. He knew she saw him,but I protected her as if I didn't believe any of it at first. But when Bruce was in charge,I suffered every punishment for covering her,including being forced to fight walkers as well as other people who stood by Bruce or not,which is where I got my scars from. At that time I was quite famous for my combat,which is why I was nicknamed Vix because of my surname and the fact I was sly,cunning,clever and rummaged around places for stuff. I didn't see Jasmine for sometime,she was being looked after by one of his followers but when I did finally see her again,she was turned into what she is now but more feistier. She wasn't the gentle flower girl I used to know but a selfish withering rose with very little tragedies being thorns in her sides not bothering her and that broke my heart. Austin knew how much pain I had suffered,a girl who is a human shield for a girl younger than her,who is also her half sister and all she has left. He helped me and Jasmine escape,but while running I heard a gunshot and Austin's scream. I don't know if he was alive or not,but I should of stayed to protect him."

"Is that why you took the bullet for Kenny?"Ben asked "Because..."

Maria nodded while wiping away her tears and looked at Ben "That's the whole story. Even after what happened to you during this scared you. Be lucky that you didn't suffer these past months the way I did."

Ben was surprised at what Maria told him,hell he thought he was the only one that was terrified because of this,but he never thought he could be trusted.

"Man...I'm sorry,Vix."Ben apologized.

Maria smiled"It's okay. I appreciate that you care. And you can call me Maria. I let people call me by my real name when I trust them. And from the time we have spent together I more than just trust you."

Maria then got curious about about Ben"So,why did he say that?"

Ben looked at her confused

"The bandits. Saying something about you 'enjoying their show'.What happened?"

Ben still felt terrible about what the bandits mentioned,but couldn't keep it hidden from Maria"Well,back at my camp when the bandits came,some of them cornered me,Travis and a few other teenagers. They took one of the girls and,oh God..."

Maria rested her hand gently on Ben's shoulder,"You don't have to say it,I get where you're going. You didn't want to see it happen to me because it would be like watching the whole thing all over again"

Maria lifted her head to look at Ben and she hugged him tightly but gently,they both never had anything like this before,both trusting each other and feeling like this,guess it does prove that good things happen in terrible times.

Maria laid her saphire eyes on Ben's light blue ones,they were both in awe when they looked at each other but also a little scared.

They slowly brought their heads closer to them,closed their eyes a little and pressed their lips against each others.

They were surprised at the contact,but didn't want to hesitate,Maria's hand went for the back of Ben's head while he wrapped his arms around her back as the kiss turned more passionate,they both felt heat flowing in their cheeks and as much as they loved it,they parted for air.

"Wow,I..."Ben stared at her,her expression was the same as his.

"I've never...done that before."she responded.

"Yeah, me too."Ben replied.

"I guess good things can happen in bad times. So,I suppose this means we're staying together."

Ben looked down in thought,"Do you think it could work?"

Maria didn't need to think to answer his question,"We never pointed a weapon at our heads,we weren't angry when we mean it and we think about each other. What ways do you think it would not work. No matter what happens I'll stay by you're side until the end. Jasmine will have to get use to it."

They then cuddled with each other and fell asleep on the bed,both feeling truly happy since this happened and possibly forever,though were wondering the same thing.

It would work,but will it last?

DUN DUN DUUUUN! O_O

LOL,sorry,but I'm sure I could picture everyone shock when they found out about the video.

Okay, as I said before that's a first attempt of doing a first kiss scene which was done WAY back and I think I would of done better at it,but I'm proud of it for a first timer.

Remember to keep following my fanfic and reviews are appreciated!