Faith woke up at eight oclock in the morning the very next day, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and jumped slightly as she saw Sam standing in front of her with a big ol grin.
"Moooorning!" Exclaimed Sam. Faith gave her a questioning look.
"You seem happy this morning." Commented Faith. Sam nodded still smiling.
"Yup, i called in today saying that i needed some rest alone soooooo, I got the whole day to myself with you." Said Sam playfully.
"Ok?" Responded Faith. Sam sat down on the bed next to the brunette when she realized something strange.
'She hasnt changed out of the clothes i gave her and probably hasnt showered in a few days, yet she still smells like flowers?' Thought Sam.
"Something wrong?" Asked Faith. Sam shook her head.
"No its just...You smell good." Said Sam sheepishly. Faith's cheeks grew as red as tomatoes. Sam mentally berated herself.
"Uhm...Thanks?" Faith eventually got out, looking away.
"Yeeeah...Anyway, i made a plan of stuff for us to do today." Said Sam trying to diffuse the tension.
"Like what?Not much we could do cooped up in this house." Asked Faith.
"Thats where your wrong, theres hiking,gotta hike when your in Hope county. Fishing or hunting , whichever you prefer, swimming Oh! I also planned us a little something later." Sam said enthusiastically with a wink.
Faith didnt like the thought of a 'little something'.
"And what is this 'little something'?" Asked Faith. Sam gave her a grin and muttered a "You will see."
"But first things first, you want some breakfast? I could go into town and get something." Offered Sam. Faith shook her head.
"No thank you, im not hungry." Sam nodded.
"Ready to go? I packed us a bag each of what we will need for the day." Said Sam.
"I guess im good to go." Shrugged Faith.
A few minutes later the two girls were trailing up a hill. Faith had a cap on with a hoodie, just in case any resistance members passed by.
They walked for about an hour, passing by beautiful green trees and seeing some wild animals living their lives. It was peaceful, a peace that the deputy hadn't felt in a while. She was so used to looking over her shoulder and seeing a couple of cultists with guns aiming at her. And in this part of the county , she was used to Faith's illusionary animals or illusions of Faith she now had the real Faith behind her, wearing her outfit."Funny aint it?"
"Funny isnt it?" Sam said. Faith gave her a questioning look.
"Im so used to seeing illusions of you around here and yet here the real you is." Explained Sam. Faith chuckled slightly.
Faith took in the beautiful sight. Hope county was just as beautiful as she remembered when she was a little girl.
The hills of the Henbane river were filled with clearings that had lots of the bliss flowers. From afar they were beautiful but deadly from up close. An important thought crossed Sam's mind and she stopped as she saw them.
"Hey, I was wondering. Is bliss addictive? I dont want to feed your addiction but i also dont want you to go through the pain of withdrawal." Said Sam.
This caught Faith of guard.
'Does she really care?' Thought Faith, but the look on Sam's face said she was serious.
"Uhm well im not entirely sure. I may have been in charge of the bliss productions and some of the cult members even say that i make the Bliss harvests better... but im not a chemist so i dont know much. I do know that their are three types of bliss." Faith began.
"Theres the gas version of bliss which is the weakest version. It gives you light hallucinations short term, more potent long term. Second is the liquid Bliss, its what John used for his cleansing, its also what we dumped into the river and the water supply. Its also what turns people into angels and what makes them so strong. And then theres powdered Bliss. Its the most potent of all, its only made by my own chemist. Its what i use whenever i took you into the bliss...Its also what i use for myself." Said Faith.
Sam nodded and walked up to Faith and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Ok , let me know if your feeling any withdrawal symptoms." Said Sam with a easy smile. Faith looked at her slightly confused but soon began to blush.
"Uhm, y-yeah sure...Ill let you know if i feel anything." Said Faith.
"Ok. Thank you Rachel." Sam said. Faith grimaced and Sam frowned.
"Oh sorry...I thought Rachel would be more appropriate then Faith." Explained Sam.
"I do." Said Faith.
"It feels good to be called my real name again but...It also brings back memories of my dark past." Sam nodded.
"I understand. Speaking of your past." Sam said with a big grin and poking Faith in the side playfully. Faith let out a long and slightly annoyed sigh.
"Look you have been very nice to me, for some reason or another. But i told you that my past is dark and traumatic. Just give me some time ok!" Said Faith with hostility in her voice. Sam suddenly walked up to Faith quickly. Faith took a quick terrified breath, squeezed her eyes tightly shut and braced herself.
Seconds passed.
Then Faith jumped slightly when she felt a gentle hand press against her chest. Faith opened her eyes slowly and saw Sam in front of her , hand on her chest giving her a warm smile.
"Your heart is racing. I learned this when i was a kid whenever i was upset or nervous i would put my hand on my heart, feel your heart beat against your palm and take a few deep breaths." Said Sam.
This surprised Faith. Her eyebrow raised for just a second but she closed her eyes and did what the deputy told her to do. Faith took three deep, slow breaths.
When Faith was exhaling, Sam could feel the warm breath flow onto her skin, it felt nice. When Sam looked at Faith, eyes closed taking deep breaths, she thought that she looked so calm and relaxed, but knew deep down that there was a storm inside her mind and soul.
Sam smiled as Faiths heartbeat slowed down.
"Feel better?" Asked Sam as Faiths eyes opened slowly. The younger of the two nodded.
"Good...Im here to help ok? I know I might seem like im rushing things, but its only because i want to see you get even if i push a lot its ok, you dont have to budge, move at your own pace and whenever your ready ok." Said Sam flashing Faith a smile and then turned to begin walking again.
Faith was dumbfounded.
"I dont get it..." Faith said in a low tone Sam barely picked up on it. The deputy turned around once more and looked at faith with a questioning look.
"Dont get what?"
"This!" Faith hissed gesturing her and Sam with her finger.
"I know every resistance member has told you countless stories about me, how im a liar and manipulator! Ive drugged ,tortured and killed God knows how many people!People that you knew, people that you once called a friend! Me and my people have been trying to kill you since we first met when you came to arrest Joseph! Ever since you saved me you have shown me so much kindness and care despite what i have done! And the more kindness you show the more confused I get on what your plan is! Are you playing some game with me?!We almost killed each other less then a week ago! So why are you trying to help me!" Yelled Faith, who was out of breath and panting after her outburst.
Sam remained calm throughout the entire outburst and had a blank unreadable expression on her face. The deputy then looked up at the clear blue sky and mumbled.
"Because you and I aren't so different..."
This caught Faith completely off guard, so much so that all the rage she felt moments ago was gone, filled with a feeling of surprise.
Sam looked back down from the sky and smiled at Faith again.
"Come on, lets keep moving. We have a fun day ahead of us." Said Sam as she turned and continued to was still stunned but remained silent and began to follow Sam again.
The two began to walk through the woods again . Sam was talking while Faith remained silent and listened, which Sam was ok with , in an attempt to lighten the was working, Sam cracked a few jokes which made Faith giggle childishly as she usually did...There was something about that innocent giggle that made the pit of Sams stomach feel all warm and fuzzy.
Soon the two were approaching a nearby river that was a nice spot to came here a lot for rest and relaxation. By the river was a small wooden dock , Sam and Faith set their bags down on the dock, Faith sat down on the edge of the dock and started fiddling with her combat boots while Sam was getting the fishing equipment out of the bags.
The deputy noticed the younger of the two messing around with her boots and a question popped into her mind. A question she was pretty sure wouldnt get Faith upset or cause any traumatic memories to surface.
"Hey,so theres something ive been curious about something since we first met." Said Sam, not looking up from getting the fishing equipment.
Faith turned her head and tilted her head slightly in a way to say 'yes?'.
"Do you have a vendetta against shoes? I mean your always barefoot...Not that i mind..." Said Sam still not looking up from what she was doing and mumbling the last part.
Faith gave her a blank expression and then thought for a moment.
"I...Im not since i was little i just enjoyed the feeling of grass or earth under my feet. Guess its just more natural you know?" Explained Faith. Sam nodded. Sam still didnt look up but she could hear Faith tugging on the boots.
"Boots not comfortable?" Asked Sam.
"They are comfortable. I just prefer that natural feeling on my feet." Responded Faith timidly.
"You dont have to wear them you know?" Said Sam closing her bag.
"What?" Asked Faith.
"The boots, you dont have to wear them."
Faith looked between Sam and her boots.
"Are you sure? I dont want to be rude..." Said Faith shyly. Sam chuckled.
"Rude? For taking off your boots? Your not my prisoner Rachel ,if you want em off just take them off. Besides, you have cute feet...Not that i have a foot fetish or anything!" The last part kind of slipped and Sam began to blush but Faith seemed to ignore the last part as she grew a relieved expression and immediately removed the boots and her socks, putting them to the side. When she was barefoot she dipped her feet in the water and let out a sigh of relief.
Sam smiled and plopped down next to Faith , handing her one of two fishing rods she was holding.
"You ever fish before?" Asked Sam. She was pretty sure what the answer was going to be. It was Hope fucking county, known for its fishing. But it wouldnt hurt to ask.
Faith nodded.
"I used to go a lot with Tracey and her parents when we were kids. Even with some Edens Gate members when i was newer to the group. Its very relaxing." Said Faith.
"Oh yeah. Ive actually never fished until i came here . Was pretty boring the first time, but people insisted i give it another go and i just fell in love." Explained Sam.
They didnt catch any fish for the first few minutes. It was quiet and relaxing as the river water felt cool on Faiths feet and Sam enjoying the quiet sound of nature. Faith figured now was a good a time as any.
"Im sorry..." Said the youngest of the two. Sam turned and raised her eyebrow.
"Im sorry about, my outburst i had back there I-"
"Its fine." Cut off Sam.
"I told you at the beginning that there is going to be trust issues. We were at war with each other less then a week ago. I know that bonds and trust takes time to i want you to take as much time as you need, so long as you dont give up on yourself i wont give up on you. I of all people know that you cant heal without wanting to be healed."
Sam continued to surprise Faith. Faith still didnt know if she could fully trust Sam. However with every kind and caring act Sam does towards her, she gets more and more trusting as well as infuriated as the the feeling of doubt digs deeper into her stomach.
Faith parted her lips to say something but stopped herself out of surprise when she felt a strong tug pull on her fishing rod.
"Hey, i think you got a big one!" Exclaimed Sam. Faith gripped the fishing rod tightly with one hand and reeling in the fish with the other. She was reeling it in carefully as not to break the line. After a short struggle, Faith managed to reel the fish in. It turned out to be a rather large Bass.
"Wow, nice catch!" Said Sam with a smile, patting Faith on the shoulder. Faith had a very large smile on her face while giggling with joy, proud of her catch.
As the excitement died down , Faith looked up from examining the fish and noticed that Sam and her were standing really close together. Sam was staring intently on Faith. Sam seemed entranced looking into Faiths beautiful blue eyes to her smooth fair skin and her shiny light brown hair.
Faith recognized that look, it was the same look of someone who was under the effects of the this time there was no bliss, it was natural.
As Faith stared back, the both of them felt something. A sort of magnetic feeling inside them that was drawing them closer to each other. Sam inched her face closer and closer to Faiths until Faith could feel Sam's warm breath on her skin. Faith stared back into Sam's brown eyes and was entranced, she felt butterflies in her stomach and was compelled herself to inch closer too Sam.
Their lips were inches from meeting each other.
Then Sams eyes widened and her face grew pale as she heard the sound of a loud motor coming up from the river.
"Shit! Resistance members! Quick put the cap on and hood up!" Said Sam ,getting in front of Faith to block the view in the direction of the sound the boat was coming from and also casting the line from her fishing rod in the river to try and look natural. Faith meanwhile scrambled in her bag for the cap and put it on quickly,putting the cap flap low and putting the hood of her hoodie up.
Eventually two resistance members on a jet ski passed by and stopped in the middle of the river where the deputy and Faith were. The two men flashed Sam a smile and waved slightly.
"Hey there deputy! Fancy meeting you out here." One of the men said. Sam waved back at them.
"Hello boys. Out on peggie patrol i assume?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Thats good. Did you find any?" Asked Sam. The two men grinned at each other and then looked back at Sam.
"Oh yeah. A few peggies hiding out up the river a few hours ago. We popped them like hot potatoes. Apparently they ran away from the prison." Said the driver in a jovial manner.
Faith's eyes widened slightly in anger and balled her fists tightly, she was upset that they just murdered her people and were so casual about the two didnt notice. Sam noticed this and her face grew from casual to serious.
"Thats weird , i could have sworn i gave an order the other day to not harm any of the defectors?" Said Sam , putting a hand on her hip and raising an eyebrow at the two. The two mens smiles soon turned to shocked expressions.
"You were serious about that? We heard the order from Tracey but most people thought it was a joke." Explained one of the men.
"Yes I was serious about that. When you head back to the prison spread the word that i wasnt fucking around." Said Sam sternly. The two men glanced at eachother and then looked back at Sam.
"Uhm...Y-yes ma'am." One said timidly. There was an awkward silence hanging in the air for a few seconds.
"Who is your friend?" One of the men asked. Sam grew a nervous expression but only for a second.
"Her names Max. She lost a friend to the peggies and im took the day off to try and cheer her up." Sam lied. The two men nodded in understanding.
"Im sorry for your loss...But dont worry Max, thanks to Sam here those psychotic peggie scumbags got what they deserved." Jeered one man. Faiths knuckles were now white and she was slightly shaking with rage.
Another awkward silence passed by as Faith didnt reply to the man. Sam smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry shes shy." Said Sam. The two men nodded , said their goodbyes and drove off.
Sam let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Holy shit that was close." Said Sam, hands on her knees and taking a quick breath. Then her face went red when she remembered what almost happened.
'Did we almost just...kiss?' Thought Sam which made her blush even more. She slowly turned her head to look at Faith. Faith however didnt have the same flustered expression that Sam had. Instead she had her arms crossed and had a serious expression on her face.
'Oh shit ,please tell me i didnt fuck everything up with almost kissing her.' Thought Sam.
"Is...Something wrong?" Sam asked nervously. Faith glared at her. This made Sam nervous.
"Something you want to tell me?" Faith asked accusingly.
"About?" Sam asked sheepishly, dreading the answer to come. Faiths glare harshened actually making Sam, the hero of hope county, take a step back.
"'Order not to kill the peggie defectors?' 'Peggies escaping the jail'? That sounds like a good start." Hissed Faith. To be honest Sam actually felt relieved that Faith was asking about that and not the other thing.
"Oh yeah, i never did tell you what happened with Joseph did i?" Faith shook her head.
Sam then began to tell Faith about the confrontation with Joseph , his disappearance and the sudden wave of Edens Gate members that surrendered the order that Sam gave for them to not be harmed.
There was silence when Sam finished. She gave Faith a minute to take it all in. After a few moments of silence other then the birds chirping in the sky, Faith nodded slightly.
"I understand...Good, at least hes alive." Said Faith in a defeated tone. Sam gave her a sad look.
"Im sorry Rachel." Sam started.
"But theres something i need to ask you." Faith looked at her.
"Do you know where he would be right now?" Sam asked with a cringe and got what she expected. Faith grew a surprise and insulted expression.
"Honestly, i dont know where he is. But even if i did, im not about to tell you where the man who changed my life is so you can go arrest him...Or worse." Said Faith. Sam looked at the floor in defeat.
"Sorry...Had to ask." Faith looked away in annoyance.
An awkward silence descended around them.
"What about the members at the prison who turned themselves in?" Faith suddenly asked.
"Im going to make sure nothing happens to them, i promise." Said Sam.
"You may want to help them,but your friends clearly dont." Hissed Faith.
"I know, and ill be sure to whip them into shape next time i stop by the prison." Said Sam.
"You better!" Said Faith taking an aggressive step towards Sam.
"You may think we are just a bunch of crazy people with guns, but thats my family you have prisoner!" Yelled Faith , tears starting to brim in her eyes. Sam looked at her sympathetically and closed the distance between them and wiped the tears away.
"I know, and thats why I gave the order for them to not be harmed. I want to help all of you, Ok?I promise." Faith looked into Sams eyes while she gave her an easy smile and nodded.
"Ok." Replied Faith with a slight sniffle. Sam smiled and took a step back and knelled down to pick up her fishing rod.
"Soooo, do you still want to continue fishing or we coul-" Sam stopped mid sentence when she felt a pair of arms gently but firmly wrap around her.
" Thank you for saving my people." Whispered Faith while hugging Sam. The deputy found herself blushing a lot today.
"N-no problem..." Sam whispered as she slowly hugged her back. The hug felt comforting and warm.
As soon as Faith ended the hug , a part of Sam wanted the hug to last longer.
"We didnt fish long, we could stay a while longer." Said Faith, picking up her fishing rod and sitting down where she was before and dipped her feet into the cool waters once again. Sam took a seat next to her and the two began to fish. It was quiet between the two and Sam hoped that it was a sign that Faith had forgotten about the 'almost kiss'.
Some time passed, Sam could tell that Faith was having a good time as she was generally smiling a lot and catching a lot of fish. She knew that it was a good idea to come fishing with her. She also figured this would be a good time for conversation.
"Sooo, whats your favorite color?" Sam was expecting an eye roll or sarcastic glance but no, instead Faith answered truthfully.
"White." She said not taking her eyes off the line in the water.
"Why?" Sam asked enthusiastically. She expected a eye roll or sarcastic glance this time too but was once again met with another answer.
"White is the color that represents ,innocence,cleanliness,faith,purity and virginity. All the things i strive to be. Its also considered to be the color of perfection.
which is also what i strive to be." Faith Said. Sam was impressed. Although one part of her had different thoughts.
'Is she still a virgin? Thats hot...' Sam thought. Then she actually took a moment to think about what she was thinking about and mentally slapped herself.
Had Faith asked her why she liked a color she probably would have went with something like 'Its pretty'.
"Thats really cool. My favorite colors green." Said Sam. After a few moments of silence Faith asked.
"Why?" Sam tried to think of a response that was as good as Faiths buuuuuuuut got nothing.
"...Its pretty..." Sam looked away a little from embarrassment but caught a glimpse of Faith giggling quietly. This made Sam happy.
"Although didnt you once tell me and i quote ' None of us are perfect,we all make mistakes from time to time, even myself' ?" Asked Sam. Faith was surprised that the deputy even remembered her saying that.
"...Yeah. None of us are perfect and we all make mistakes..." Faith said somberly.
"But..." She continued.
"That doesnt stop us from trying to be the best person we could be and try to be a little closer to perfect." Faith said with conviction in her voice. Sam smiled at her.
"I can agree on you there." Said the deputy.
"Whats your favorite animal?" Sam asked continuing the game of 20 questions.
"Blue butterflies." Faith answered. There was another moment of silence. Sam opened her mouth to ask why but Faith beat her to it.
"Butterflies are just amazing. To start off as something so small and frail, to turn into something so beautiful and angelic...Its simply magical. I like the blue ones because when i was a kid, my...My mom told me that blue butterflies were wish granters and that if you wished to one it would fly up to heaven and God would turn it into a miracle that you asked for." Explained Faith. Sam picked up the keyword 'mother' and remembered that talking about her parents was not the best, so she tried to tread around it.
"Thats a really nice story. Is that why people see so many of them when we enter the Bliss?" Sam asked. Faith nodded.
"Yes. I put them there in a hope that everyone who enters the Bliss gets a wish granted." Said Faith. Sam nodded.
"I get it. Thats actually really sweet of you...in a way." Said Sam. The deputy could see at the corner of her eye Faith blushing a little bit.
"Well I like bears." Said Sam.
"Why?" Asked the light brunette. Sam gave her a look that said 'duh?'
"Cause they are so fluffy." Faith raised an eyebrow.
"You've been close enough to a bear to pet it before?" Faith asked.
"I might of been mauled once or twice in my time in Hope county." Sam said jokingly (sort of). This made Faith laugh, which made Sam smile. She liked Faiths laughs and was a certain innocence to it.
Sam soon found herself laughing along side Faith. But her laughter died immediately when she heard the sound of a branch being snapped and grass being stepped on behind the dock.
Sam quickly turned her head to see what the sound was and her blood ran cold as she made eye contact with a Edens Gate member with shaggy hair and the cults general attire staring at her with cold eyes as he pointed an AR-C assault rifle at her. The deputies eyes went wide as she yelled.
"OH SHIT!" Sam quickly pulled her side arm and shot at the man before he had a chance to pull his trigger. The shot hit him in the neck and he dropped to the ground ,blood sputtering from his neck.
"Son of a bitch! Are you ok Rachel? " Sam asked turning to Faith. Sam saw that Faith was staring at her with wide eyes and was leaning back away from her.
"What are you doing?!" Yelled Faith. Sam was dumbfounded.
"What do you mean? He was aiming a gun at us I had to put him down. Look I know they're your family but if they threaten my life i dont have a choice." Said Sam. Faith gave her a confused look.
"What are you talking about? The two of us were laughing then all of a sudden you turn around and shot that tree!" Hissed Faith. Sam was now confused.
"I didnt shoot the tree i shot a peggie! Look hes bleeding from the neck over there!" Sam Said pointing in the direction she shot the peggie. Faith looked in the direction and then looked back at Sam.
"Theres nobody there..." Said Faith. Sam looked in the direction she shot the peggie and...found nothing but grass and a tree with a fresh hole in it.
"Wha-" Said Sam rushing over to the spot. Her eyes were wide with shock. When she got to the spot , she fell to her knees.
"I...I could swear there was someone trying to hurt us..." Mumbled Sam putting a hand on her forehead. Faith was walking slowly behind her and hesitated to put a hand on the deputies shoulder.
"Are you ok?" Asked Faith softly. Sam took a moment but nodded shakily.
"Y-yeah, I think...I think im just tired or maybe just inhaled to much bliss from the river or something." Said Sam. Faith wasn't so convinced,she had a different theory but decided to keep it to herself.
"Ok...We could try something else if you want?" Suggested Faith. Sam rubbed her temple and nodded.
"Uhm yeah. That sounds good. Some resistance members might come and investigate the gunshot anyways. Sorry about that." Said Sam getting up.
"Its fine. We have been here for a while anyways." Said Faith. Sam and Faith packed up and left the area quickly, leaving the fish they caught behind for a lucky bear to find and enjoy.
The two were walking through the woods again.
"So whats next?" Asked Faith, who was still barefoot and comfy.
"Well next on the list is hunting. Just gotta remember where all the good spots are." Responded Sam. At the corner of her eye she saw Faith grimace at the word hunting.
"Something wrong?" Asked Sam. Faith looked away slightly.
"No...Id just rather do something else..." Said Faith in a low voice as she looked uncomfortable. At first Sam wasnt sure what was wrong but then the gears started turning in her head and a light bulb went off in her head.
'No way.' Sam thought to herself as she had a grin on her face.
"Have you...Never shot a gun before?" Asked Sam humorously. Faith snapped her head and glared at Sam.
"Im in a cult thats armed to the teeth, im Jacob Seeds little sister and ive lived in Montana all my life, of coarse ive shot a gun before!" Hissed Faith defensively. Sam chuckled and put her hands in the air defensively.
"Alright alright. So then whats the issue with hunting?" Sam asked. Faiths glare turned into a shy expression as she looked at the ground.
"I...I just don't like killing animals." Faith said. Sam was stunned.
"So its ok to kidnap,drug,torture and kill people. But killing an animal is crossing the line?" Sam asked in a matter of fact tone. When the words left her lips, Sam thought it was a little to insensitive but knew that it was an important question.
"People can be cruel and evil! Some sinners deserved what they got! Others i was trying to save them!" Shouted Faith. Sam found herself putting her hands up defensively again.
"Ok ok. I get it. I was just asking. We are having a pretty good day so far, i don't want to ruin the mood alright?" Sam said in a calm tone to hopefully diffuse the situation.
Faith took a breath but nodded her head in agreement. Sam knew that the question would get her upset, but it had to be asked and now Sam knew a little bit more of how Faith thinks.
"Alright. So hunting is off the list , lets keep walking and figure out what we want to do alright?" Sam Asked. Faith nodded and began to walk again with Sam.
'Phew, that could have been bad.' Thought Sam.
Faith and Sam had stopped walking to try and figure out what to do next that didn't have other people nearby so Faith wouldn't be discovered. Sam was about to suggest something when her radio started to beep. Sam picked it up from her belt and put it to her ear.
"Yeah,whats up?" A few moments of silence later.
"Alright, thanks ill swing by as soon as i can." Sam said into the radio before holstering it again.
"Well you will be happy to know your white dress is fixed and cleaned." Sam told Faith. A small part of Sam melted on the inside for when the words left her mouth Faith instantly grew wide eyed with excitement and grew a huge smile and even jumped up and down a few times.
"Oh my god! You actually had it fixed!?" Faith asked joyfully. Sam smiled at her.
"Of coarse. I could tell how much it means to you." Said Sam, soon feeling a pair of arms wrap tightly around her in a hug. Sam couldn't help but blush heavily, luckily Faith couldn't see it.
"How soon can you get it?" Asked Faith ending the hug.
"I can stop by the jail at the end of the day if you-"
"Can we go now?" Faith interrupted.
"Yeah sure i dont see why not. Just gotta drop you off at the house first." Said Sam , turning her back to begin walking towards the house.
"Wait!" Faith said suddenly. Sam turned around.
"I want to come with you to the prison." Said Faith. Sam raised her eyebrows in a way that said 'your insane'.
"No way."
"But-"
"Rachel, we got lucky when those two guys passed by, theres no way a hoodie and a cap is going to give you cover in the heart of resistance people hate you, they will shoot you on sight , without mercy and hesitation." Explained Sam. Faith crossed her arms and Sam rolled her eyes.
"Im just going in and out to get your dress, whats the big deal?" Asked Sam. Faith looked away slightly.
"I...I want to make sure that..." Faith started but Sam nodded understandingly, stopping her.
"You want to make sure your people are ok..." Sam said and then took a deep breath.
"Alright, so i have a very funny feeling that even if i leave you in the house ill find you somewhere near the prison either way." Said Sam giving Faith a sarcastic look as faith gave her a mischievous look in return.
"So, we will do an age old tactic called compromising. I will drive us to the prison , but i will park the car by the edge of the woods just out of sight from the guards on watch duty around the prison. You will stay IN the car and NOT get out, while i walk to the prison and get the dress and check on your people. Sound Fair?"
Faith pursed her lips. She would much rather sneak in the prison to see her did hold the prison and cougars hostage not too long ago after all. But thats when she was still a strong herald and had her followers. Now she doesnt. She knew that getting in would be a struggle but getting out without bumping into anybody would be another challenge. She knew that deep down, this was the best she was going to get.
"Fine." Said Faith quietly.
The two then started walking towards the road to try and 'commandeer' a vehicle. Not to long into the search, Sam spotted a truck belonging to Edens Gate. The keys were still in the ignition so Sam just had to start the car and drive.
About 15 minutes later, they were nearing the jail. Sam parked the car by the edge of a treeline.
"Alright, you remember the deal?" Sam asked leaning in through the window. Faith sighed.
"Yes, don't worry, im not going anywhere." Sam nodded and began to walk towards the jail. When she got to the gate, a resistance member greeted her and opened the gate for her. Sam walked into the prison and walked to the front desk with a female member of the resistance behind the desk. The front desk was where weapons and ammo were passed, so Sam assumed she should pick up Faiths dress here.
"Hey there deputy!" The woman greeted Sam with a smile.
"Hello. I was told that Faiths dress was ready for pick up." Said Sam. The woman held up a finger in a way to say 'one minute' and left the room. She came back not to long after holding Faiths dress in her hands.
"Here you go deputy." Said the woman plopping the dress on the desk. Sam inspected the dress. The spot where the bullet tore through was fixed and the bloodstains washed dress even had fresh scent too it.
"Been meaning to ask what you wanted that thing fixed up for." Sam heard Tracey's voice behind her. Sam began to neatly fold the dress.
"Keeping it. As a memento." Said Sam. The resistance member snorted.
"Would make more as toilet paper or dishrag if you ask me." Said the woman putting in her two cents. Sam and Tracey gave her blank stares making the woman uncomfortable and regretting her words.
When Sam was done folding, she turned to Tracey.
"How are you holding up?" Asked Sam.
"Im fine...Not to crazy about this peggie prisoner shit but-"
"Not that. I meant how are you holding up about Rachel." There was surprise in Tracey's eyes as Sam called her Rachel. Then only for a split second Sam could see Tracey's lip quiver. But only for a moment and then she was back to her stoic self.
"...Im fine." She said. Sam didnt believe her but chose not to push. She felt bad, she wanted to tell Tracey that her best friend was alive,well and not too far from there was a slight feeling of doubt inside her. She knew that Tracey was hurting for her friend, but she also knew that she was upset about Virgil s death and all the shit Faith had done in the henbane river. She had know idea if Tracey would help Faith...Or try to kill her.
"Ok, if you need to talk you know where to find me." Said Sam patting Tracey's shoulder comfortingly. Tracey nodded, thinking she might take her up on it.
"Can i see the peggies?" Sam asked. Tracey nodded and began to lead the way towards the jail cells.
When Sam stepped inside she saw that some of the Edens Gate members were cramped inside the cells while the rest were huddled at the center of the room sitting down on the ground with resistance members all around them standing guard with assault rifles. It was quiet,save for a few resistance members chatting with each other. But when it came to the cultists , its was pure silence.
"How many are there?" Sam asked.
"300 or so here and about another 200 at holland valley." Said Whitehorse who was behind Sam suddenly. Sam walked up to the group of prisoners without hesitation.
A few resistance members raised their guns to warn the cultists but Sam gestured them to put their weapons down.
"Rook..." Warned Whitehorse. Sam stood directly in front of the group of cultists and looked ta all of them. Some had sad expressions, others had angry and some blank.
"Which one of you is the leader of this group?" Sam asked. A few cultists glanced at each other and their was a quiet murmur through out the group. Then suddenly one of them, a woman who was sitting directly in front of Sam started to get up but stopped when the nearest resistance member pointed a handgun at her.
"You better put that shit away...Now." Sam warned. The member quickly put his gun away, feeling a bit of fear strike through him. The female cultists now stood up fully, looking at Sam with slight anger in her eyes.
"I was one of Faith's most loyal V.I.P's...So i guess that makes me leader now." Said the woman with a slight woman had brown shoulder length hair, brown eyes and a red tattoo of Edens Gate symbol on her forehead.
"Whats your name?" Sam asked.
"Veronica." Sam gave her an easy smile.
"Nice to meet you Veronica. Was wondering if my people have been treating yours properly?" Asked Sam casually. Veronica blinked in confusion.
"Excuse me?" She asked. Without missing a beat Sam responded.
"You know, food, water, bathroom breaks and not killing you guys. You know that sort of thing." Said Sam. Veronica narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Are you mocking us? Is this some sort of joke to you?" The cultist said.
"I can assure you, im not messing around." Sam said with a very serious expression on her face. Seeing this Veronica knew she was being truthful and dropped her guard.
"We are doing alright .Food and water is scarce but given out which we are grateful for. Bathroom breaks are also scarce as some of my people are scared they will get shot if they so much as raise their hand. Guards threaten to shoot us if we so much as breath wrong but thats to be expected. All in all , i say we are treated well all things considered." Explained Veronica. Sam nodded.
"Ill see if we can get a bathroom system going and try to tone down the hostility of my people...But you understand why they are like that right?" Said the deputy. Veronica crossed her arms again.
"Despite what you may think, we aren't stupid or delusional. Of coarse we know why they dislike us." Said Veronica with hostility. Sam held her hands up in defense.
"Easy im just sayin-"
"Where did you get that?!" Shouted Veronica. Sam saw where her eyes were looking and remembered she was still holding Faiths folded up dress.
"That doesn't belong too you!" Said Veronica through clenched teeth. Sam gave her a somber look.
"I know...Its Faith's favorite dress." Sam said in a low tone. Veronica was visibly fuming with rage. She even attempted to punch Sam in the face but once her arm was reeled back she stopped when she heard the sound of every resistance member in the room click off the safety on their guns and aim it at her even Whitehorse had his pistol out.
"PUT YOUR FUCKING GUNS DOWN!" Sam yelled, extremely annoyed. Nobody was going to harm any of the cultists and fuck up her promise to Faith.
Everyone was shocked for a moment Whitehorse,Tracey, the resistance members, the cultists and even Veronica. After a few moments of confusion the resistance members put their guns down. When that was done, Sam took a deep breath and gave Veronica a sympathetic look.
"Look...I wish there was another way...Despite what you may think and despite all the fighting and this big stupid war we are having...I would have much preferred it if everyone was alive and living in peace. I have a lot of regrets in my life...Killing Faith is one of the biggest regrets i had." Said Sam in a soft, soothing tone. Veronica was still visibly pissed but less so.
"You may mock us by keeping us here to do God knows whatever your going to do with us. But DO NOT mock Faiths death. You didn't know her and you don't care about her or us!" Spat Veronica. Sam sighed.
"Your right...I dont care about Faith seed." Said Sam. Veronica balled her fists and almost went in for another punch. A few cultists sitting on the ground had angry expressions as well. Until Sam spoke again.
"I care about Rachel Jessop , a girl who got lost in darkness." Said Sam with confidence. This took Veronica and the cultists aback. For a split second Sam saw Veronica glance at Tracey.
"Your also right again, I didn't know her. I wish i did, she seemed like a really sweet could have been great I do know this, she loved you all like family and from all the things ive seen out there i can tell you feel the same about her." Said Sam to more the cultists then just Veronica. Some cultists put there heads down in sorrow while a few others were tearing up.
"Faith died fighting till the very end for you and what she believed in, even though she knew she was losing, she never gave up! We have done terrible things to each other,we have killed each other, tortured each other, broke each others spirits, tore families and friends apart and destroyed communities! Now we can keep on fighting till one side is completely destroyed or..." Sam extended her hand to Veronica.
"We put our beliefs and our hatred aside and come together in peace." Said Sam with certainty in her voice and a fire in her eyes. There was a low murmur coming from both the cultists and the resistance members. Veronica stared at Sam's extended hand and then into her eyes.
"Your people wont like that idea." Said Veronica.
"Neither will yours. But we will work together to change will be difficult and we will have challenges but im sure we can make it possible. I want to help your people because i believe you can be redeemed, you guys did a great job and took the first step to recovery by defecting, let me help you the rest of the way." Said Sam. Veronica looked at Sams hand once more and surprised Sam as she began to tear up.
"How...How did she die...?" Asked Veronica. Sam frowned.
"I shot her in the stomach...She bled out slowly in the grass. I had her head on my lap and held her hand as she slipped away...I made sure she wasn't alone in the end and tried to give her as much comfort as i could." Said Sam still extending her hand. A few tears slipped down Veronica's cheeks and Sam could hear Tracey cry quietly in back of a few cultists started crying.
A few moments of silence Veronica wiped the tears away with her palm and with the same hand grabbed Sam's with a tight grip.
"Alright...Lets try this your way." Said Veronica with assurance. Sam smiled.
"You wont regret this, i promise." Said Sam. Veronica nodded sniffling slightly and then sat back down on the ground with her people.
Authors note: HOLY FUCKING CRAP THAT WAS A LOT. I dont know why i just felt like all this needed to be in one chapter. Other then that IS ANYONE EXCITED FOR FAR CRY NEW DAWN IN 2 WEEKS :D im so excited to FINALLY be on the Fathers side for once, definitely my favorite video game villain of all time. Anyways, gonna try and rush this story out in time before New dawn arrives so expect lots of updates. See you guys soon and remember, Praise the Father.