A/N: Another installment! If you've managed to sick with me so far, major kudos. I know those first few chapters are rough. Thank you all who take the time to read my little story. Dont forget to tell me how you feel about it. Tell me what you like, what you dont like.

Chapter 7

Sleep did not visit any of the people at the farm. Patricia was too stricken with grief, and everyone else was worried about Carl. Ayce also was concerned with her sister's safety. She swore to shoot Andrea and Daryl if her sister turned up harmed.

Ayce stayed up through the night, sitting on the porch. She opted to stay on the floor, leaning against the house. It gave her plenty of time to go through her memories.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Ayce and Annalyn stood facing each other, Annalyn pressing a cold washcloth to her sister's face. A dark bruise had already formed on her cheek.

Annalyn sniffed, holding back her tears. "Why? Why do you always step in the way? I'm not some weak priss. I can take a hit." Ayce shook her head and waved away the cloth. "I know that. But you shouldn't have to deal with his temper. Not like that. Besides," she said, placing her palm on her sister's cheek. "I'm the older sibling. I'm supposed to protect you."

Annalyn nodded her head and wrapped her arms around Ayce's neck. After a few moments, Ayce moved away and began to throw clothes into a bag. "Pack something. I don't know what's going on out there, but we need to hurry up."

Annalyn grabbed a bag from the closet and began tossing her own stuff in it. Once done, they bounded down the stairs. Timmy stood in the middle of the living room with their mother and youngest sibling. "Took ya long enough," he sneered.

Glass shattered before Ayce could reply. Figures covered in wounds and blood poured in through the broken window. Everyone yelled and screamed. The sound of tearing flesh filled the room as one of them grabbed their mother. Annalyn reached for her, but was held back by Ayce.

"No! We can't do anything! Run!"

Lilith pushed past the both of them, making a beeline for the back door. Ayce and Annalyn followed behind her, while Timmy brought up the rear. The four of them left the house, each pausing to take a look back. Just a moment.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Ayce gave a heavy sigh as she hefted the stone into wheelbarrows, doing as everyone else. Morning had come, giving them an opportunity to prepare for the rest of the caravan and Otis's funeral.

As it was, Ayce wasn't happy about it. She snuck a glance at Shane, who seemed miles away. She frowned, her rage boiling just below the surface. He had no shame, she knew.

He's lying. I know it!

Sounds of vehicles filled the empty air, and everyone turned their gaze to the road. Daryl led them on his motorcycle, followed by Andrea, and Dale's RV bringing up the back. A wide grin crossed Ayce's face as she watched them pull into the yard and in front of the house.

The RV door popped open, and out came a flurry of blonde hair and pale skin. It was a blur as it raced to Ayce, crashing into her.

"Anna! Oh, you're okay… You're okay, right?"

Ayce pulled her sister away to inspect her for injuries. The smaller blonde laughed a bit and waved her hands away. "Ayce, I'm fine. Nothing all that exciting happened."

Ayce breathed a sigh of relief and laughed. "That's good. That's really good."

Annalyn nodded. "Yea. Daryl took your words to heart. Wouldn't let me go exploring with him and Andrea…" Ayce didn't miss the edge in her voice.

She's jealous…

Ayce grinned at this. That's cute.

She looked over to where said redneck was watching them closely. Thank you, she mouthed. He replied with a nod.

The others emerged from the house and approached Dale. "How is he?" Dale asked.

Lori nodded her head, glancing at the ground. "He'll pull through," she said, a grin gracing her face. The woman's relief was obvious. "Thanks to Hershel and his people."

"And Shane," Rick voiced.

Murderer.

"We'd have lost Carl if not for him."

The two embraced, as did Lori and Carol. "How'd it happen?" Dale questioned. Rick almost laughed. "Hunting accident. That's all- Just a stupid accident." Shane looked uncomfortable.

Everyone went about gathering more rocks and such. Ayce stayed as close to Annalyn as possible. Being away from her for the night didn't sit well with Ayce, so she was determined not to leave her side for long. Her sense to protect her was going into overdrive. Annalyn knew this and said nothing of it. The younger sibling knew that because they had lost Lilith, Ayce would try even harder to keep her safe.

Annalyn eyed her sister as she hefted rocks into the wheelbarrow. She had not yet talked about it. Not since the night at the CDC. It had only been a couple of days, and already, she acted like it hadn't happened. It made her worry. Ayce was strong, but it would eventually hit her like a ton of bricks. And when it did, the time may be oh so wrong, and end up putting them in trouble.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

They all gathered around the memorial pile. They had stacked the rocks up to serve as a marker for Otis. All that was left was for people to add a rock and say some nice things.

Hershel did his biblical thing, which Ayce zoned out for. Not that she was disrespectful, she just wasn't religious. Then Shane stepped forward to tell his story.

Ayce tried to listen, she really did. Her own story came flashing to her, though, blocking out everything around her.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The four of them ran as fast as they could. Ayce kept close to Annalyn as Lilith led them on. It was obvious what was going on. She had seen enough movies to know.

"Head for Luke's place. We'll be safe there." Her stepfather's words cut through her concentration.

Oh, you idiot. We wont be safe anywhere.

But then again, he has guns…. Among other weapons…

Ayce nodded her head and grabbed Annalyn's hand, dragging her forward. Various screams echoed around them, people running in the streets, acting like fools.

Luck's house loomed before them, the front door splintered and wide open. Ayce's heart thundered in her chest as they slowed down, coming up on the porch. Timmy burst past them and stumbled straight into the house, calling for his brother.

Ayce slowly made her way in, keeping Annalyn close behind her. Shattered glass lied on the floor. A broken lamp in pieces in front of the fireplace.

I liked that lamp…

Timmy looked around and sighed. "They aren't here…"

A strangled growl came from the kitchen. The blood froze in Ayce's veins as she turned her head towards the doorway. A choking gasp came from Timmy as they laid eyes on what was left of Uncle Luke. Blood poured from various wounds on his neck and stomach. An arm was missing, which Ayce could now see was still in the kitchen, and was being devoured by his wife.

Ayce backed away, pulling Annalyn with her, her eyes searching for any sort of weapon. Another growl came from Uncle Luke. Her searching became frantic. As Luke lurched forward to grab at Timmy, her eyes fell on the fireplace. Pokers…

She lunged for the iron bar, feeling her fingers wrap around the handle as Luke grabbed Timmy by the neck. She raised it above her head with both hands and brought it down. Even after had fallen to the ground, Ayce didn't stop. Time after time, she felt his skull crack in a different spot. Timmy wrestled the poker from her and shoved her to the side. Lynda had come out to see what the commotion was about. She was brought to her end abruptly as Timmy shoved the poker through her skull.

Timmy nodded his head, looking around the living room. "Alright. Let's go to the police. They would tell us what the hell is going on."

Ayce looked at him with appall. "Are you really that stupid? You know what's going on. We can't go to the government. It won't be there."

Timmy got bright red in the face. "You dare question me, girl? I'm the adult here, and what I say goes. We're going to the police!"

Ayce's face twisted with furry as she opened her mouth to yell at him. She stopped a second later. It was like a light came on. Her face calmed and was passive. "Alright. You're right. Let's get Luke's things first, though. The police could probably use them." She turned to her siblings. "Go wait on the porch for us. Stay out of sight. Don't make any noise."

The two nodded their heads and walked out as Ayce and Timmy made their way through the kitchen and downstairs to the basement. Various guns were mounted on the wall, as well as knives and other weapons. Canned and dried food sat on shelves. He really did make this place a bunker…

"I'll get the guns," she said. He nodded and went about stuffing food in a bag. Ayce wasted no time in loading a 9mm. Now, she was smart. She waited until he packed the bag full. She had another packed up with guns, ammo, and a small assortment of knives. She even took the time to select a nice bow and a quiver of arrows. As they grabbed their individual bags, she grabbed the gun. He turned to the steps. Ayce took the safety off and cocked the gun. He froze, one foot up on the bottom step.

As he turned to face her, she placed her finger on the trigger. "You can't keep them safe. You make horrible decisions and will end up getting them killed. We can't go to the police."

He tried to look unafraid, but Ayce could see that he was terrified. "You can't kill me, Ayce. I'm family."

Ayce shook her head, the slight tremble in her hand being her only nervous tell. "No. You're the man that would hit my mother and me. You are the man that made my life, and Annalyn's life, a living hell these past few years. Who belittled and abused us. And it ends now." Her eyes glazed over a split second. Te next, they were icy and determined.

"Wait. Ayce. Don't do anything stupid. Be reason-"

His words were cut off as the bullet went through his head.

Ayce wasted no time in stuffing the gun in the waistline of her jeans on her hip and running forward. She tossed his bag over her shoulder, somehow heaving it along with the bow, the arrows, and other weapons. As raced up the stairs and ran into the kitchen, meeting Annalyn and Lilith halfway.

"Where's Dad?!" Lilith shouted. Ayce didn't answer as she shoved them both for the door. "Go! To the woods!"

"No! Where's my dad?!"

Ayce gave her another shove towards the back yard, passing one of the nag to her to carry. "Move!" was her only answer.

The world around them broke out into chaos as they broke through the tree line. They would stay in those woods for the next month.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

A hand came down on her shoulder, breaking her from her thoughts. She jumped and looked to her right, meeting Annalyn's worried eyes. "What?" she asked. Annalyn tilted her head to the side. "Are you okay?" she asked. Ayce nodded her head. "Yea, I'm good. Just thinking. Remembering."

Annalyn gave her a strange look and walked away, saying something about helping Beth. Ayce stared after her, a pang of guilt hitting her. Even now, Annalyn was under the impression that Timmy was attacked by a zombie in the bunker. She wasn't his fan, but it was still a lie.

Ayce walked towards the group that had gathered around a vehicle. Hershel, Rick, Andrea, Shane, and Daryl were trying to look for Sophia more. She came up beside Hershel as Maggie came up with a map.

"County survey map," she said as she spread it out on the hood. "Shows terrain and elevations." Rick grinned and his finger tip pressed on the map. "This is perfect," said Shane. "We can finally get this thing organized."

Rick stared at the map, then looked around at the people there. "We'll grid the whole area, start searching in teams."

Hershel shook his head. "Not you. Not today. You gave three units of blood. You wouldn't be hiking five minutes in this heat before passing out." He turned his attention to Shane. "And your ankle- Push it now, you'll be laid up a month and no good to anybody."

Daryl leaned forward to study the map. "Guess it's just me. I'm gonna head back to the creek, work my way from there."

Shane frowned. "I can still be useful. I'll drive up to the interstate, see if she wandered back there."

Ayce frowned and place her hand on the map, drawing their eyes to her. "I may be a woman, but I can guarantee you, I'm as good as any guy. I can help." She pointed to the creek. "If Daryl works this side of it, it can go to the other. Get more ground covered."

Daryl frowned and shook his head. "No way in hell."

Ayce furrowed her brows and placed a hand on her hip. "And why not? I don't remember asking for your permission."

He glared at her and pointed off in Annalyn's direction. "That's why. She needs ya. She needs ya not ta get killed or lost or worse."

Ayce opened her mouth to retort, but was cut off by Rick. "Alright, that's enough. Daryl, we need all the help we can get. If she wants to help, I can't say no."

Daryl said nothing.

Rick nodded. "Alright," he said. "Tomorrow then. We'll start doing this right."

"That means we can't have our people walking around with just knives," said Shane. "They need the gun training that we've been promising."

Hershel didn't like this, it seemed. "I'd prefer you didn't carry guns on my property. We've managed so far without turning this place into an armed camp."

"All due respect, you get a crowd of those things wandering around here…"

Rick shook his head, cutting off Shane. "Look, we're guests here. This is your property, and we will respect that," he said, looking Shane in the eye as he took out his pistol. Shane waited a moment before grudgingly placing his down as well.

"First things first. "Make camp, find Sophia."

"I hate to be the one to ask, but somebody has to. What happens if we find her and she's bit? I think we should all be clear on how we handle that."

Rick eyes Shane. "You do what has to be done."

Maggie, whom Ayce had forgotten entirely, spoke up, looking appalled. "And her mother? What do you tell her?"

Andrea answered. "The truth."

Shane grabbed the pistols. "I'll gather and secure all the weapons." Ayce glanced up from the map that she had been studying, not missing the small shake of Hershel's head.

"I'll make sure no one's carrying till we're at a practice range off site. I do request one rifleman on lookout. Dale's got experience." Hershel didn't speak. Rick noticed his discomfort with the idea. "It would make our people feel safer, less inclined to carry a gun." Hershel nodded as Ayce walked away from the car.

She didn't make it but a few yards. A rough hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "What the hell do ya think yer doin'?" Ayce grimaced, knowing this conversation was unavoidable. "I want to help, Daryl. I want to find this little girl. I want to get her safe, and back to her mother."

He shook his head. "I can do that. Ya should worry more 'bout yer own family. That girl," he said pointing again at Annalyn. "She wouldn't make it without ya. She needs ya. I can do this on my own."

Ayce stared at the ground for the longest time. She stepped forward, standing toe to toe and meeting his eyes, almost like a challenge. She spoke slowly, leaving no room for any more argument. "I'm going. You can't stop me. That's final." She stood there for a moment longer, letting her words sink in, letting him hear the underlying challenge.

She knew she had won when stepped back and stormed off.

0o0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0o0

"So, you're telling me that you're gonna go traipsing off into the woods to look for that little girl? You do realize how dangerous that is?" Ayce sighed and shuffled her feet impatiently. "Yes, I do. Look, Annalyn, I'm not asking for your say-so. I'm telling you. Don't worry about me."

The younger was quiet for a moment. She nodded her head. "Okay," she said, pulling her into a hug. "Just be careful."

Ayce nodded and took off. She spotted Daryl off in the distance, walking away from Rick. She approached the former sheriff. "Hey, I'm gonna head out."

He nodded his head and met her eyes. "I was just sayin' this to Daryl. Ya'll don't have to do this anymore." Ayce smiled softly and patted her shoulder. "Yes, Rick. I do have to. I need to find her. I need to save-"she halted her words and steeled herself. "I just need to find her."

He gave her a sympathetic look. "Look, if this is about Lilith-"

"No, stop right there. Lilith has nothing to do with this. She dead, gone. Sophia isn't. I can still save her."

She stalked off towards the woods, watching as Daryl disappeared into the trees.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Ayce leaned against a nearby tree, pausing to rest and listen to the things around her. The animals rustled about and clamored around. This told her that she was relatively alone. They tended to go silent when the walkers were around.

When the tree began to dig into her back, Ayce decided it was time to get moving again. She moved through the foliage, brushing past leaves and limbs. Something white flashed ahead of her. Upon getting closer, she found a house in a clearing. She kept her fingers on the end of her arrow, ready to draw back and fire at a moment's notice.

The house itself looked as if no one had been around for quite some time. Like they had left when all of this began. Ayce kicked in the door as to not remove her hand from the arrow. A quick look around told her it was empty.

A quick walk-through told her two things. Sophia had been here, and she had was alive. She hadn't been there for a while, but it was something. Ayce came to a set of stairs and slowly made her way up them.

Three rooms. First bedroom was the master, belonging to the parents. They seemed to be the organized type, with neat drawers and a made bed. Cream colored walls with tan carpeting. Off-white bed set. Very simple. Bathroom with two sinks. One had the bare minimum around it while other was cluttered with makeup and skin products.

The next room belonged to a daughter, a teenager if the pictures of actors and boys were any indication. CDs cluttered a shelf, mostly pop and dance music. Books on another shelf, mostly teen romance that had to do with supernatural beings, princes and the like. The walls were green, while the carpet and bedspread were cream. The bed wasn't made.

The last room knocked the breath out of Ayce. When she did breathe, the air tasted stale. It was a nursery. Light pink walls and white curtains greeted her. A white wooden crib sat in a corner with a throw rug on the opposite side of the room. Toys sat around the area collecting dust. Baby books sat neatly on a small white shelf on the wall. Butterfly decals decorated the walls.

Ayce closed the door and pressed her back against the wall in the hall. She tried hard to hold back the tears, but one slipped past. Then another. Next thing she knew, they wouldn't stop.

Her bow lay forgotten at her side as she placed a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes. These people were a family. They were a couple. They had two daughters. And their lives were uprooted by this horrible thing. They were probably dead now. All of them.

Ayce took in a deep breath and calmed herself. A noise came from downstairs, halting her movements. She stared down the hallway and rose to her feet, keeping her back against the wall and grabbing her bow. Her footsteps were light as she made her way down the stairs and into the living room. Whatever it was, it was rummaging around the kitchen. Ayce steeled herself and pulled the arrow back as she pressed her back against the wall next to the doorway. She turned quickly, pointing the arrow at the figure. She came face to face with a crossbow. Neither person spoke for a long while as they both caught their breath.

Ayce broke the silence. "What the hell are you doing? This is my area." She lowered the bow and carefully released the tension in the string.

Daryl lowered his weapon and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "I don't think so. This is my side of the water. Didn't ya check the map?"

Ayce sighed and placed a hand on her hip, her eyes drifting to the fridge. "No. I didn't. Rick kinda distracted me, and I took off without asking." Pictures and such cluttered the metal of the fridge. Birthday pictures, a baby in a walker, wedding photos, a prom picture. They all looked happy.

Daryl looked off towards the pantry. "She was here at some point." Ayce sighed and leaned against the door frame. "Yea… Probably hasn't been here for a while though. Not today, anyway."

They were silent for a while. After a few minutes, Ayce chanced looking away from the spot on the floor she had been scrutinizing. Daryl's own eyes were fixed on her. She absentmindedly thought that the color reminded her of a storm. Blue like the water, yet grey like the clouds.

"What?" she asked.

"Ya okay?"

Ayce was confused for a moment, but even as she remembered that she had been crying just minutes ago, she denied feeling bad. "Yea, I'm good."

He raised a brow, but remained silent.

Ayce stepped away from the door frame and headed for the door. "She isn't here. I'm gonna look around outside and maybe head back. It's getting late."

Daryl stayed quite as she left.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Night came quickly back at the farm. Ayce decided during dinner that while she was searching for Sophia, she would hunt was well to help everything stretch. Now that they had eaten and gotten camp set up, she and Annalyn sat close by the fire. Her keen eyes didn't let her miss Lori sneaking off.

Sneaky, sneaky.

"I'll be right back," she told Annalyn. She younger simply nodded her head.

As she darted though the dark, she wondered what in the world this woman was up to. She knew it wasn't her business what she did, and for all she knew, she was going to meet Shane. But Ayce knew for a fact that both Shane and Rick were in the house.

She caught up to the brunette and took her arm. "Where are you going? It's dangerous out here."

Lori looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "I-I was just checking-um, going to the…the bathroom?"

Ayce raised an eyebrow and almost smiled. "The bathroom's that way," she said, pointing to the house.

Lori fumbled with an object in her hand. A questioning look made her hand it over. Ayce eyes went wide as she looked back at Lori. "Please don't say anything."

Ayce shook her head.

"Thank you."

"Um…I'll keep watch for you…If you want." A moment of silence. "Sure."

They walked off into the dark for more privacy. Silence followed as Ayce kept an eye on the camp and Lori did her thing. "30 seconds…" came a whisper. Ayce nodded even though the woman couldn't see her. She waited those agonizing seconds.

A muffled sob came from behind her and dread filled Ayce's stomach. "Lori?" No answer, just more sobs. Ayce came around to where she sat and took the pregnancy test from her, examining the little stick. She squinted, trying to make out the symbol in the darkness. A plus sign. Ayce gasped quietly and met Lori's gaze.

She looked so desperate and hopeless. Ayce's heart broke for her. She gathered the older woman in her arms and let her cry it out. The only thing Ayce could think at the moment was the obvious.

Lori was pregnant.

She's pregnant!