Chapter 9

The Tree of Horrors


Author's Note: What's up guys it's been awhile cuz life has been busy. I wanted to post this ch. for a while now but I wanted to polish it up and make it flow nicely. However,if I wait any longer until I am completely happy with it, this ch. may never get posted with my schedule. So here it is. For those of you still following this story, props to you and enjoy.


"I'm not going out there without a weapon," Chris informed them.

"Relax, we wouldn't send you out there without something to protect yourself with. It wouldn't be good for you or ourselves," Lincoln told the boy while placing a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to ease his worries.

Octavia roughly handed Chris his weapon,"Here."

The boy stared at the weapon with a puckered forehead and gimlet eyes. This was not at all what he had in mind. He dug his finger nails into the neck of the old, splintered bat in frustration. He was expecting some sort of gun like everyone else had or even a crossbow like the one Octavia was sporting.

"I'm not going out with this," he protested.

"I want a real weapon like everyone else," he demanded, pointing at Octavia's crossbow.

"No," she threw back with an unrelenting glare.

"Why?"

Chris was quick to refute much to Lincoln's surprise for his girlfriend's glare looked as if it could penetrate through his skin. However even with her cheeks flushed with crimson from how angry she was getting, as they fought back and forth, he was relentless with his arguments. Lincoln saw that his girlfriend was trying her best to hold her tongue but the vain protruding out from the side of her temple indicated her patience were growing thin. Chris, very much like a kid on an elevator, he managed to hit every one of Octavia's buttons. The muscular teddy bear inwardly sighed to himself as he rubbed the stubble on his chin with his large hand. If he didn't stop soon this kid was about to find out why testing his girlfriend's patience wasn't a good idea.

"You shot Elyza!" Octavia finally yelled as she threw up her hands in irritation.

"Yeah, you don't exactly have the best track record with guns," Nick tried to add smugly.

"I thought Elyza was going to hurt Alicia!" he defended snapping his neck toward Nick.

"Why do you get a gun? You were with me and just as clueless. You thought she was going to hurt her too!" he pointed knowingly with his index finger.

"He doesn't," Octavia sharply replied as she reached out her arm expectantly, "hand it over."

Nick's brows knitted together in a frown as he glanced over at Chris before reluctantly handing over the gun, "we are getting this back right?"

"Yes. We wouldn't take something that is yours. But for our safety and yours," the man paused shifting glances at the two before continuing on, "we prefer neither of you held any guns while we are out there. For now at least."

"We don't need you two accidentally shooting anyone else," his counter part added defensively.

Chris groaned, "This is bullshit."

"What is bullshit?" a voice came from behind the bickering group.

"Alicia maybe you can talk some sense into them, since they seem to really like you. They are not letting us take our guns when we go out," Chris whispers a bit too loudly causing the younger Blake to roll her eyes at his idiocy.

"I mean you don't really know how to use that thing and you did shoot Elyza Chris, I think that's fair. It's not like they aren't giving you something in place of it. Right?"

Chris stared at Alicia slightly slacked jawed, stunned by her answer. He had under estimated just how close she had gotten to this group and it started to get under his skin. He was so sure she would agree with him and try to convince the rest of the crew otherwise. They were supposed to be family after all. Still Chris just couldn't believe she was taking their side over him and Nick. Even though Nick didn't seem to be too bent out of shape about the situation, Chris still felt the need for a gun. Yes, he did shoot Elyza, which he still felt bad about but she is alive. Yes he doesn't actually know how to use a gun properly but to him it didn't matter and that makes him dangerous. For that exact reasoning was why the couple would not allow him any projectile weapon of any sorts. Chris was about to rebuttal again until something else caught his eye and his full blown attention. He peaked around the side of Alicia and his eyes grew a few sizes wider in a mixture of curiosity and excitement. The previous argument forgotten the moment he saw what Elyza had her hands wrapped around. Her slim fingers were loosely wound around the handlebars of one of the coolest motorcycles he has ever seen.

"Is that a cafe racer?"

Chris loved the idea of bikes but Travis was very against him ever owning one. Saying they were nothing more than an accident waiting to happen. It only made him want one even more and if the world hadn't turned to shit he might have just went out and got one.

The blonde's widespread grin returned, "yes, a Ducati to be exact."

"I see you found Raven's gift," Lincoln smiled.

"This isn't like any bike I have ever seen before," Nick added coming up to inspect the bike along side Chris.

"Well that's because Raven is a genius and made some modifications to it. Made the seat bigger for two people," she winked at Alicia who simply ignored it.

"She put special all terrain tires on it and this awesome sexy black paint job," Elyza beamed proudly.

"So you want to take it for a spin with me princess?" She asked Alicia who's palms instantly became sweaty upon looking at the machine with uneasiness.

"Wait are you taking this out now? Don't these things make a lot of noise?" Nick asked with concern slightly worried about his sister and how the bike might attract too much attention.

Elyza shook her head no,"I'm not sure how exactly but she found a way to quiet it. Not completely but its just as noisy as a car."

"You probably would be able to answer that question if you paid attention to her explanation when you ran back to see her," Alicia smirked.

"I was too excited! And I cant help but zone out when she goes on her scientific tangents," Elyza pouted.

"So how about it? Wanna go for a ride with me?" She grinned.

"I think I'll pass and ride with the others, in the jeep, on four wheels."

"Ah sorry no can do, jeep is full." Octavia quickly jumped in.

Alicia's face contorted in confusion, "Full?"

"All of us plus the added gear, takes up a lot of the room, unless you wanna sit on someone's lap this time," the younger Blake teased.

" No, no, bike it is." she answered shifting her weight nervously as Octavia just smirked evilly.

"Just don't kill us ok?" She says before tucking her lower lip between her teeth. Elyza's whole entire face lit up as she got them ready.

"Full huh? Aren't you supposed to be betting against this?"Lincoln leaned in closer to Octavia and gave a slight chuckle. She swatted away his hand and gave him a dismissive look.

"I like her, I'm team Alicia, even if I'm skeptical," she whispered back.

"So are we already to go than?" Nick asked before the blonde raised a finger into the air and disappeared into the armory.

"Not yet one second."

Nick watched curiously as did the others in confusion. Elyza reappeared seconds later, making her way over to his sister with a catcher's helmet and some gear. He had the same baffled expression across his face as his sister. That was until the shorter girl tried to convince the younger Clark to wear the items for protection. He smiled to himself, Alicia was never a sports fan to begin with and always hated having to wear the gear in her very brief time she spent playing any sport. So he knew if was highly unlikely that the younger Clark would agree to Elyza's wishes.

"Here put these on"

Alicia blinked owlishly and stared at the blonde bewildered, "I'm not wearing this."

"It will protect you from possible bites," Elyza, gave her classic pout in response, jutting out her lower lip.

Alicia nibbled on the bottom of her lip in thought, "and what are you going to wear?"

Elyza looked over to Octavia as she threw a few magazines and some duct tape towards her. She watched on as the blonde wrapped the magazine around her arms and legs with the duct tape; making sure to cover the parts that could be easily bitten. Lincoln and Octavia soon followed her actions after they threw the rest of the magazines to the two boys.

"So you are all going to wear magazines and I am the only one who has actual protection?

"It's the last one we had and I want you to wear it," Elyza informed. She thought about it for a moment, her friend had a good point. It would give her added protection from bites but she didn't like the fact that she was the only one wearing it.

"Someone else should wear it. You or my brothers. Why should I be the only one," she protested.

Nick and Chris looked at each other before replying in unison, "we're not wearing it."

"Elyza is right on this one, you should wear it Alicia," Nick agreed.

"So you are stuck babe cuz I am not wearing it either."

Alicia groaned in defeat and threw the face mask roughly at her brother,"ok fine but I'm not wearing the face mask."

"Fine, but you're wearing the bike helmet," Elyza said as she watched Nick juggle the face mask that was thrown at him.

Alicia rolled her eyes toward the heavens, "Fine mom."

The blonde, as if to argue back, opened her mouth but quickly closed it again. Deciding to keep her comment to herself instead. The older Clark watching his sister's interaction was kind of surprised, his sister was stubborn. When she decided against something it was often seldom for her to have a change of heart or to be persuaded otherwise. This Elyza Lex seemed to have a way of getting through to his sister. He liked Elyza and as far as he could see she was a genuinely a good person. However as a protective brother would do it was something he was going to keep an eye on.

"Actually it's a very mom thing to do and she probably would have done the same thing," Nick chuckled.

"Yeah, to you maybe, not me."

His expression dulled, "What does that mean?"

"Nothing," she replied flatly as she started putting the gear on. He shrugged the comment off, convincing himself she was just being moody because she was talked into doing something she didn't want to do.

"We sure we want to get rid of this one," Chris joined in with a grin, holding up an old playboy mag.

Alicia stared at the boy, "really Chris?"

"What? They gave it to me," he pointed at the couple.

"Aren't you a little young for those sport" Elyza teased.

"That's ancient, I didn't even think those were still around," Nick expressed with an amused grin of his own.

"Look, I'm not that much younger than you and you still keep calling me sport," Chris stated still holding the dirty magazine in hand.

"Not how I see it. Would you like it better if I called you kid instead?"

"Could you just call me by my actual name?"

"Nope" she grinned enthusiastically.

Elyza did like to call him sport in a teasing matter to ruffle up his feathers a bit but there was some hidden meaning to it as well. While yes she was only a few years older than him she didn't actually see it that way. They were not on equal footing. As far as Elyza was concerned age was just a number and experience made you. She knew with how the way he acted he hadn't seen or gone through half the stuff herself or her friends have. He was too childish for he argued like one when asked to do something or when he didn't get his way. Elyza had no doubt that in her mind the only reason he was still alive was because of his parents. You act like a child you will be treated like a child is how she felt. He had not given her any proof within the last couple of weeks that proved otherwise. So she was going to treat him just like that and have a little fun in the process.

"Sport is just fine thank you," he sighed in defeat.

"It's probably from Bell's not so secret stash. It's not sticky is it Sport?" Elyza playfully asked and looked to the younger Blake. Chris grimaced and immediately dropped the magazine to the dusty ground below as if it had suddenly gone up in flames.

"Eww no we are not going there Elyza!" Octavia exclaimed with disgust as the blonde laughed with delight. Lincoln coughed, grinning with delight at his modified girlfriend. The younger Blake did not approve and playfully slapped his arm in response.

"Ow, hey," he chuckled before turning his attention to Alicia.

"So Alicia, we also may have modified your bat a bit," the man said stretching his muscular arm out so she could grab the weapon from him. She stared at his toned arms for a second noting his bicep was larger than her head.

"We added some large nails for added effect."

"Why exactly do they get modified bats while I have an ordinary one?" Chris asked folding his arms across his chest.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "here we go again."

"Sorry sport, you're on probation for now."

His face soured as if he had just eaten a lemon for the first time out of aggravation as he looked to the clouds. Chris knew Elyza was over using the nick name to get under his skin. Yet, it worked just about every time. Just like he was pushing the younger Blake's buttons Elyza knew exactly how to push his. Although he didn't know her well he knew it was only Elyza's nature to tease and she didn't mean anything harmful by it. He saw how she teased Alicia on a regular basis because of how close they became. The teasing was closer to how siblings would tease each other and up until his father started dating Alicia's mother he had been an only child. Therefore Chris was not exposed to normal sibling rivalry and didn't know how to counter Elyza's playful nature. He rubbed his temples and decided to head over to the safety of the jeep as the blond made her way over to the younger Clark.

"What?" Elyza asked Alicia who was giving her a knowingly look.

"You done bothering Chris?" she questioned.

"Never, he makes it too easy just like you princess." Alicia rolled her eyes at the blonde. She feels like she has been doing that a lot more recently but the the other girl tends to do that to her.

"Too bad this doesn't have a side car for Coon," Alicia added inspecting what she considered a two wheeled death trap.

Coon, hearing his name looked up at her with big round eyes and an almost smile as his tail swayed excitedly from side to side. The German Sheppard stood up and gave a little excited hop as he spun around in circles. He looked up to the two girls once, barking softly with joyfulness. Like almost every canine, he loved to go for rides. Elyza smiled and scratched just behind his ears. He gave her a quickly lick to the hand before he jumped into the back of the jeep.

"It's just that he really loves car rides," Alicia smiled looking at their companion.

"Raven might be able to make one."

"Ok guys we are all set!" Lincoln called hitting the roof of the jeep with his hand in order to get everyone's attention but all moments were halted when a voiced called out to them.

"Octavia! Elyza!" called the voice from across the way. They both looked in the direction of the yelling until they saw Bellamy sprinting toward them.

"Everything ok?" Elyza asked worriedly as she and Octavia met him halfway.

"I'm coming with you."

"The hell you are!" Octavia yelled earning her a glare from her brother.

His expression hardened, "I can't let you guys go out there again without me."

"We can take care of ourselves Bell. We don't need a chaperon."

"Don't start Octavia," he warned.

"No you don't start!" she yelled angrily pointing back at him.

"Look, now is not the time. I'm coming with you!"

"Who is going to stay here and watch over things while we are gone and don't say Raven, because that is so not going to happen. She just lost someone close to her!" She said staring down her brother.

"You are great when it comes to tactical stuff but sometimes you need to think a little more when it comes to people!" she fired back jabbing her finger into his chest.

"Guys, you both need to chill," Lincoln said putting some space between the siblings as Elyza pulled Bellamy to the side.

"What is going on Bell?"she questioned, placing a worried hand on his shoulder.

"Look, I am not letting you guys go out there with out me, not with the Reapers, not while you're still injured."

It was now Elyza's turn to roll her eyes skyward as she let out a groan,"you and Alicia, for the last time, my arm is fine. Octavia patched me up good."

Bellamy stood straighter to get his point across,"I don't like you guys going out there with people I don't trust. We need to stick together."

"You don't trust anyone Bellamy," she scolded him.

"But we need you to stay here and watch over things. In case the Reapers find this place. Besides, Link and O already volunteered to go out with us. You damn well know you are not going to get her to not go now."

As Elyza spoke he knew he wasn't going to win this argument. Bellamy looked around the compound at all the people who counted on him and the others to keep them safe. Elyza was right, the commander was right and he knew it. This is where he was needed at the moment. Making sure everyone here was being taken care of and he knew his family could hold their own without him.

"This is where you are needed. Raven, she is in no place to be in charge. She needs time to grieve right now and we can not ask that of her. She just lost Ben and we all know what its like losing someone close." Elyza informed.

"Raven and the rest of the people need you."

Bellamy ran a hand through his curly locks, "you're right, I'm sorry. I was being an idiot."

"No you were not. You have a big heart but need to think with this a little more," She said as she pointed to his head with her finger.

"I'm sorry. It's just... you guys are my family, if something were to happen without me there, I...don't know what I would do."

"We all know it's unpredictable and dangerous out there but we can not let that stop us from being where we are needed the most. We need to help the ones we can because there will be some who we cannot help."

"Look we won't be out there long. But I need you to gather up as much information you can get about the Reapers. That is just as important,"she told him with a pat to the back just as Lincoln came walking up to them.

"Change of plans," he informs the two. They both look at the other man in question.

"Whats going on?" Bellamy asked.

"I have decided to stay here and Bell will take my place if that is ok?" He tells them looking at Elyza for the go a head.

"That's up to you mate. I'm ok with it," she tells him.

"And my sister is ok with that?" Bellamy asked glancing over at his sister.

He chuckles slightly, "No she is not."

The shorter man sighed, "I will go inform her of the official change of plans."

Elyza watched as Bellamy headed over to the very angry Blake before eyeing the man before her suspiciously.

"What are you up to?"

"They need this. It will be good for them."

"Yeah but now I have to worry about two hot tempered Blakes and one is already hard enough."

Lincoln laughs again but replies with serious tone, "this is what they need or they may never start acting civil to each other again."

"Good thing I trust you. See what you can get on the Reapers while we are out."

"Will do," he said extending out his forearm for her to take.

"Mebi oso na hit choda op nodotaim."

Without hesitation Elyza grabbed Lincoln's forearm as she replied back in the same, "May we meet again."

"I know and if you're going to lecture me you can save it because it's a waste of both our time," Octavia sneered and stormed away before Bellamy could even utter a single word.

He shook his head sadly and turned his attention to Lincoln who was just about to pass by him, "you don't give her enough credit you know. She's not the helpless girl you think she is Bell."

"I know she isn't But she's still my sister."

"Look I know you're only trying to help but this is none of your business. So stay out of it Link."

Lincoln didn't even bat an eye as he was quick to respond calmly with,"when it's something causing her pain than it becomes my business. You should tell her you know she's capable."

Bellamy looked back at the robust man with a blank expression and he wasn't sure if Bellamy was letting his words marinate in his mind or was about to come up with a counter argument. However, Lincoln was quick to speak again not leaving his friend any time to really gather his thoughts.

"From what I have learned from all theses years of friendship, is that you Blakes are stubborn. She isn't going to talk to you until there is no choice and so here it is. You two both stuck in a car together for a few hours. Use it, talk to her."

Bellamy gave him a slow nod showing that he understood what his friend was trying to do. Lincoln patted his back before leaving him to finish shoving a few items in his rucksack. He knew this might be the longest car ride of his life but it had to be done no matter how hard his sister was going to make it. He wiped away the beads of sweat that pooled up on his forehead. He wasn't the best when it came to communicating with family or romantic relationships. Maybe Elyza could give him some advice, she was the only one he would dare ask her advice for. He glanced back over toward Elyza but saw her talking to Alicia, the girl who he saw was slowly capturing their leader's heart.

"Oh I almost forgot," Elyza said reaching into her secret coat pocket, "here take this."

Alicia stretched out her hand to grasp the small switchblade knife in the shorter woman's hand. She ran her finger over the initials EL, that was carved into the cool, metallic handle of the knife.

"You're giving me Sexy Sally?" Alicia asked in surprise.

She knew how much the blonde loved her small knife collection, especially the one she often referred to as Sexy Sally. Oddly enough this small gesture made her feel warm inside for she knew that Elyza wouldn't dare give this away just to anyone. It made her feel special which in return made her heart swell inside. A feeling she had long forgotten since Matt, since the start of the walkers and the end of the world as she knew it.

"Yeah, it's always good to have a back up. And that one is special. It has gotten me out of quite a few jams," Elyza replied as she swung her leg over the pillion of the bike.

"I cant take this. This is one of your favorites."

"You can and will. It's helped me out a lot and I want you to have it. Think of it as a good luck charm."

"I already have a good luck charm,"

"Oh yeah? What's that?" She asked the woman behind her before pulling her helmet down over her head.

Without missing a beat she answered coolly," you."

The walker slayer flipped up her visor and with a smirk replied, "now look at who's being smooth."

"Now you have double the luck."

"Thank you," Alicia smiled shyly looking down at the knife. This small but precious knife was a gift that Elyza didn't know just how much it was going to mean to the brunette.

"You're welcome. Now get on," she beamed. Alicia took a deep breath and mimicked Elyza's action. She seated herself right behind the blonde and pulled the black helmet over her face until she could see the other girl watching her through the opening of it.

"Hold on tight ok?" Elyza told her.

Alicia felt the warmth of Elyza's soft hands slide around her own as the woman placed her hands around the blond's waist. They were shaking slightly for what Elyza assumed was out of nervousness. When in actuality that was just partially the reason why Alicia's hands were trembling so much. Elyza knew her friend had never been on a bike before and expressed uneasiness towards them. She was going to make sure she would ease Alicia's mind, hoping by the end of the ride she would come to enjoy riding as much as she does.

"You ready?"

Alicia could only nod but realizing Elyza probably couldn't see that she spoke up with a few nervous cracks in her voice. Elyza smiled and with the start of the engine Alicia's grasp on the walker slayer's waist turned into a death grip.


Elyza would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy the feeling of the other girl's warm body pressed firmly against her back or the way Alicia would cling to her tighter every time they went over a small bump. A smile would press on her lips when she felt Alicia's slender fingers clutch the fabric of her leather jacket around her waist for dear life. Even though she enjoyed those tiny moments she still tried to avoid the bumps the best she could which seemed nearly impossible considering the road was riddled with holes. She didn't want the poor girl to freak out and be scared for the rest of her life of bikes. She wanted her to enjoy the bike ride as much as she enjoyed riding. It had been a while since the last time she had a chance to ride and this bike Raven built was a apocalyptic master piece.

Raven had clearly out did herself. Everything about this bike was a work of art. From the slick look of the black, metallic paint with red trim to the chrome that gleamed in the sunlight when it was out. The adrenaline rush she got from the sound of the engine when she turned it over was no joke as the vibration pulsed through her body like the buzzing of electrons through a wire. It was perfection and she was loving every minute of it. That was until a couple of birds deiced to dive bomb them. It was as if they were actually aiming for the girls. To avoid getting hit she quickly took evasive action without hesitation causing her attempt to not scare the other girl to fail.

A shell of dark gray clouds hid away the sun as the group drove onward, down an old and beaten dirt road. If you could call it dirt. It was more like sand, having been striped of all nutrients. It hadn't rained for months but now with the approaching clouds Alicia hoped that meant rain would fall soon. They had hit a small bump in the road that made the bike slightly jump and the brunette grabbed a fist full Elyza's black leather jacket. She never once had the desire to ride a bike only ever hearing horror stories of crashes from her parents. She often wondered if her dislike of bikes was more a bit of brainwashing from her parents than from her own dislike of the machine. However riding with Elyza wasn't nearly as scary as she thought it was going to be. It was kind of exhilarating watching the world whiz by in a mixture of various colors and the cool air was a nice change too. Even with the sun gone, hidden behind puffy, gray clouds it was still hot enough to feel uncomfortable. Sweat clung to her skin like saran wrap does to itself. The humidity in the air was thick and muggy, making every ounce of her body feel sticky like she had walked through a vat of syrup. So the slight breeze of the wind whipping by gave some relief. She was already thinking about the nice cool shower she was going to take when they got back. But even with the heat and the bumps riding with Elyza on her bike was something she could see herself getting used to. Her mother on the other hand would definitely disprove and it made her like it all the more.

Her lips twisted into a slight frown, having been caught up in the thrill of riding she almost forgot the reason why they were out here in the first place. Each time they went out or Elyza and her group went out to look it always ended with the same result. As each day passed, turning into weeks, especially since the weeks have seemed to blow by like a breeze; Alicia was losing more faith that her mom as well as the rest of the group were still alive. She prayed that today would be different. She wanted something whether it was good or bad. Being stuck in this limbo of not knowing where or what happened to them was eating her up inside.

Her fists tighten more around Elyza's waste in thought and just in time as Elyza survived quickly to right. The moment happened in such an alarming rate it caused her heart to jump right into her throat as her yelp was muffled by the engine's loud roar. It vibrated angrily as it dodged whatever it was in the road and Alicia's hands were gripping Elyza to the point her knuckles turned ghostly white. The taller girl felt like she was about to have a heart attack both from the sudden scare and to her surprise at how attractive someone could look while removing a motorcycle helmet. Elyza pulled the bike off to the side and blond locks fell out in golden waves leaving the brunette in a moment of awe. When the helmet was removed blue eyes stared at her filled to the brink with worry.

"Sorry, are you ok?

"Yeah I'm ok, startled but I'm good. What happened?" she responded still feeling her heart beat in her throat.

"Yeah, bloody fucking birds! The lot of them came out of nowhere. Had to swerve so they wouldn't hit us."

Alicia face contorted with confusion, "Birds?"


Octavia couldn't understand how Elyza dealt with heat so well. Maybe it had something to do with her Australian blood but she hated the heat. How tired and drained it made her feel. She was thankful for the sensation of cool air against her skin, coming from the vents of the jeep. In fact, if she had to choose between fighting the walkers they passed by on the side of the road or having to deal with this heat, she would rather pick the walkers. The only other thing she detested the most right now was being stuck in the jeep with her brother.

"Lincoln is so dead when I get back," she thought to herself.

She knew why he had opted out of the mission. She wasn't stupid. The only way she would talk to her brother was if she had no choice and Lincoln knowing Octavia so well, saw this as an opportunity. Even so, Lincoln's plan seemed like it might not work for when Bellamy had tried to talk to his sister she had quickly shut down any attempts the moment he started. Instead she ignored him and continued to stare out the window.

Octavia noticed the further they drove away from home the more walkers appeared. She propped her head on her elbow watching a few walkers in the distance pick at what was once a human being but now nothing more than a pile of rotting flesh and bones. She didn't look away in disgust or seem bothered by it as the jeep passed by. Like the others, Octavia had become numb to it all. It may have bothered her at some point but this was their new normal.

They saw this practically everyday and dead bodies were just as common as the monsters that were often found feeding on them. As she peered out the window watching the trees off in a distance get larger and larger until they vanished from sight or the houses that were once owned by people appear and disappear the heavy sigh that escaped pass her brother's lips altered her. She knew her brother was going to make another attempt at talking. She groaned inwardly, for whenever the two conversed it never felt like they were on equal footing. No matter what she did he always talked to her like she was still that five year old girl who needed her big brother to protect her. The thought infuriated her, causing her lips to dip down into a frown. Why could they never have a conversation with out him parenting her.

"We need to talk," his voice was harsh and firm nothing like his previous attempts.

"Clearly you haven't gotten the hint. I don't want to."

"Well we need to," he tells her, taking his eyes off the road to quickly glance at her.

"And what about Beeves and Butt head back there?" She asked sticking her her thumb out behind her over at the two boys in the back.

"They're asleep."

"Fine you want to talk, you need to tone it down a bit."

When she sees the brief annoyance that flashes in his eyes the sound of bells go off in her head like they had just entered into a boxing ring.

"Here we go round one," she thinks to herself after throwing the first metaphorical punch. As he begins to speak she knows he's getting angry by the way his jaw line protrudes slightly out when he clenches his mouth shut.

"You are my family. You can't expect me not to worry!" He almost yells but keeps himself in check and she has to admit she's kind of impressed he's kept his cool for this long.

"And I'm not telling you to not, just tone it down. Especially with Elyza," she tells him, firing another metaphorical punch his way.

Bellamy frowns, "why are you bringing her into this?"

"Because! You may not be as protective of her like you are with me but there are times when you can be. Particularly when Alicia is involved."

"Look, I just don't want Elyza to make the same mistake I did. And I don't trust them."

"They're not even a thing,"she tries to argue.

"Not yet. That doesn't matter anyway. They don't have to be."

"She's not you Bell, she wont be out for blood if something happens to Alicia," she spits out harshly and this time her words hit him like a right hook to the face. She sees him wince slightly upon hearing her words and for a moment she feels bad for bringing that up.

"Sure about that? Have you seen the two of them together? How close they have become in such a short amount of time. Look, you don't know what it's like to lose someone who forever has a part of you with them that you can never get back. It changes people."

"Have faith in her Bell," she tells him and a brief silence surrounds the two until Bellamy breaks it once more.

"You're right and I'm sorry."

Octavia raised her brow in disbelief, "you're sorry?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I can be.."

"A major dick hole?"

Bellamy gives her an un-pleased look,"yeah sure, something like that. I made mom a promise to protect you and that still sticks with me."

"I'm not a little kid anymore Bell I can."

"Take care of yourself I know. I have seen it and I don't mean to under mind that with my protectiveness."

He rubs the back of his neck, "everyone can use back up and at the end of the day you are still my sister and you are the only blood family I have left."

"I love you." he says awkwardly while gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"I love you too you dick. I hate fighting but you are driving me crazy."

"I know I'm sorry I'll try to tone it down ok?"

"Good."

"So are we ok?"

Octavia smiled but before she could reply with a yes a loud thud from the top of the roof caused her to jump an inch off her seat. It scared her to the point where the seat belt locked abruptly, and dug into the meat of her neck.

"Jesus! What the hell was that!" Both Chris and Nick yelled, now awake from their slumber. Thank god for seat belts otherwise the two of them would have ended up in Lincoln's and Octavia's lap when the jeep came to a sudden halt.

"I'm not sure," the older Blake said slamming on the brakes before two more hard thumps hit the top of the roof. Whatever it was, it was loud, abrupt and scared the crap out of everyone.

"What is that all over the ground?" Nick asked scooting up to the front to look out the windshield.

"Are those birds?"

"Hold on stay here,"Bellamy ordered looking at the group before existing the car.

Octavia looked in the backseat to the two boys before repeating, "stay here."

"I thought I said stay in the car while I check things out," the older Blake stated as he watched his sister follow behind him.

When Octavia just glared at him he sighed in remembrance, "right sorry."

"There has to be thousands of them here," the man guessed, looking at the countless numbers of dead birds laid sporadically across the ground.

"What happened here?"

"I don't know," he answers her truthfully. Other than the walkers this was the most bizarre thing he has ever seen.

"Hey are you guys OK?" Asked Elyza as the two women walked up to the siblings.

"Yeah, we're good other than getting the shit scared out of you." Octavia added.

"You're telling me. Was driving and the damn things just fell from the sky right in front of me."

"This is eerie, it's like something you would see out of a horror movie," Alicia said staring up at the now blackened sky.

"I mean we kind of are already living in one, with walkers and all." Chris said as he watched the blonde nudge one of the corpses with her foot.

"Did they feast on dead flesh?" Nick asked joining the group as well.

"Does anyone follow directions here," Bellamy groaned throwing his hand out in front while the two boys just awkwardly glanced at each other.

"Not sure, I haven't seen anything that suggests animals can be effected in the same way we can by the walkers." Elyza informed.

"Or maybe it affects animals slower than us?"asked Alicia

"It's been almost a year that the walkers have been around. I feel like if that were the case it would have already happened."

"Either way lets get out of here before this turns into a scene from the movie Birds and they start attacking us." Octavia adds.

"Hey what is that over there in distance," Chris pointed out, squinting in the process.

"Not sure," Bellamy added slowly making his way over to it.

Alicia quickly ran to the jeep where Coon was whining and whimpering, not happy that he was still in the jeep. She made sure the windows were all cracked enough to allow air to circulate and filled up a water bowl for him.

"Sorry boy, I think this time you may need to sit out. If this harms animals I don't want you getting whatever the birds got," she said giving him a quick hug when he whined in protest. She closed the door and as she walked away he clawed at the window with his paws, not happy being left alone. She felt bad leaving him by himself but they wouldn't be gone long and she didn't want to risk him getting sick.

"Everyone keep your eyes peeled," Elyza ordered just as the younger Clark caught up with the group.

"How's Coon?"

"Not happy to be left behind," Alicia responds glancing over her shoulder toward the jeep.

"I don't like it either. We'll make it up to him," she tells the brunette. She really didn't like leaving him, it felt like leaving a child behind. But she knew he would be safer this way.

As they got closer to the object that was not so far in the distance anymore Alicia's stomach turned. For it was two wooden poles dug deep into the very sand like dirt and maliciously perched a top were two served head's. The eyes were missing from what she suspected was due to an animal of some sorts having the eyes been pecked out. Elyza on the other hand thought otherwise thinking it was more of a vindictive action. Either way it left a dark and messy void where the eyes should be. It sent a small uncomfortable shiver up up both their spines as they looked on in horror.

Alicia placed her hands over her mouth in shock, "this is horrible, who would do this?"

"The Reapers," Elyza spoke with a calmness as she investigated the two heads, noting the fresh scar in the shape of an R on the forehead.

"Why?" Nick asked.

"To let everyone know we are in Reaper territory," Bellamy informed when there was sudden snap of a branch. The group looked in the direction of the sudden noise all on alert and in fighting stances.

"Shit," Octavia cursed under her breath.

"It's just one walker. We can handle it." Chris stated.

"Everyone be quiet and don't move, it's a Sprinter," Elyza whispered holding her pointer finger over her lips.

Chris's nose and forehead crinkled in confusion,"a what?" The creature snapped its neck almost in the direction of Chris, causing Alicia to softly nudge him in the rib as if to tell him to shut the hell up.

He nodded in acknowledgment and said nothing further. Instead he watched this sprinter's body twitch in every direction. The boy was very confused. There were six of them and one walker. This would be a piece of cake. It looked like every other walker they had seen only more twitchy and less like a decaying corpse like they normally saw. It for the most part still had all its flesh and still colored somewhat normal. It wobbled and walked slowly as it moaned in its usual state. Its one bicep was eaten through exposing the white humerus just below the muscle. The walker's head was partially scalped by some failed attempt to slay it, leaving the creature's skull and what was left of its brain also exposed.

He couldn't understand the worried glances and quiet hand gestures the three were doing in order to communicate in silence. That was until more birds started dropping from the heavens. It twitched its head almost in a seizure like state wherever the birds landed on ground. When one particular bird landed on their vehicle, creating an exceptionally loud and hallow thud; it had gotten the sprinters full attention. Chris had never seen something's manner change so quickly. It snap its head to the group and once it spotted them it let out a wretched shriek of a banshee and went into a full sprint at them. It had gone from slow and wobbly to a raging bull that had just seen the color red in a matter of seconds. It was possibly one of the most terrifying situation he's ever been in.

Walkers couldn't see and they definitely couldn't run, so he thought. It moved too fast for him to even register anything else and before he knew it, the creature was right in front of him. It reached out its cold, dead limbs; gripping his sleeve so forcefully the sleeve tore at the hem. Chris stumbled, falling onto the ground trying to get away from it. He yelped out in fear as it lunged forward and he dodged the attack by turning his face to the side. Just as it went in for another go he slammed his eye lids shut so he could only hear the hungry growls coming from the sprinter. But than a soft swish sound whizzed passed his ear before there was nothing but silence. He opened one eye to see the walker had gone limp with an arrow buried deep within its skull. He was saved thanks to quick reflexes of a warrior, Octavia was able to fire her crossbow; killing the creature instantly.

She reached down and ripped the arrow right out of its head with ease, sending bits of brain matter flying into the air. Before Octavia could even ask him if he was ok another sprinter jumped up onto one of the abandoned cars that were around them. Its mouth foamed as its one, pale yellow eye searched the group looking for its prey. The sprinter screeched out a whale of a yell which caused Chris to grip his ears and cry out in pain. The monster shot off the car like it had been shot out of a barrel of a gun and like a heat seeking missile it found its target. Yet again Chris was its main prey.

"Look out!" Yelled Bellamy jumping in front of the petrified boy.

Chris, was frozen in place from fear just next to the older Blake as he struggled to keep the beast at bay. This one not only had the speed of a raging bull but it was much stronger than its counterparts. It fought tirelessness to sink its razor like teeth into the curly haired man's neck. It had come close a couple times and every time it did it growled out angrily with frustration that its prey was able to hold it. The sprinter would continue to struggled to bite the flesh it hungered for a few more minutes until it too was put down for good.

"Hold on!" Octavia yelled in panic as she body checked the walker off her brother and drove her hatchet into its skull. It keeled over and fell onto the ground with a visible cloud of dust around it. Its limbs and body twitched a few times before ceasing all movements, dead on the sand below.

"Are you ok? Were you bit?" she asked, her breath was staggered and shallow as she worriedly looked over her brother. She only calmed down when she was sure there were no bites and that he was in fact ok.

He smiled, "yeah, I'm good thanks to my fierce sister."

"And that's why we call them sprinters," Elyza added as she knelt down inspecting the sprinter. When she went to stand back up something a few feet away caught her eye which caused her to get up and examine the object.

"Shit," she said under her breath.

"I have never seen them move so fast!" Nick said exasperated while nudging the corpse with his foot.

"We have never come across those," Chris pointed out shakily as Octavia held out a hand to help him up.

"They are sensitive to movement and highly sensitive to sound. More so than its brethren. Because they are freshly turned, they tend to be extremely fast and are much stronger than the ones we usually come across. This has to do with most of their limbs being still intact and not yet decaying. They also can partially see. Well we think at least," the older Blake informs them while patting the sand off his ripped jeans.

As the siblings gave Nick and Chris a run down of the sprinters Alicia glanced over to Elyza who's face was scrunched up in concentration. She was studying something particular coming out of the ground. Whatever it was it had the blonde's full attention. She scanned her surroundings like she was taught to and took notes of the environment when a particular tree off in the distance caught her eye. She brought her hand to her forehead to block out the UV rays that manged to peek out from behind a dark gray cloud, causing her to squint in order to get a better view. Something looked to be stuck to that tree but she couldn't really tell nor see what it was.

"Hey what is that in the distance? Over there?" Alicia pointed as Bellamy pulled out his binoculars to get a better look.

"That poor soul," he spat disgustedly.

"What is it?" Octavia asked taking the bicyclers from him.

"It's some woman tired to a tree. Doesn't look like shes alive though."

The feeling of dread suddenly filled her as panic began coursing through her veins. She snatched the binoculars from Octavia in fear and hoped her gut feeling was wrong. It wasn't.

"Hey what the heck," Octavia started to say but stopped when Alicia shouted out in a panic.

"Oh my god it's Ofelia!" The brunette yelled, dropping the binoculars and sprinted off to the other girl.

"Alicia wait!" Elyza popped up to her feet faster than the sprinter shot toward Chris and raced after her. The group tried to follow in suit but were stopped by Elyza's deep yell.

"No wait don't move!" she threw out her hand to stop them from budging.

"Alicia wait!" Elyza screamed out again and the panic in her voice was very evident as she pulled the girl back so hard that it took the blonde's breath away when Alicia's back slammed into her chest.

"Don't anyone move! There are landmines!" The walker slayer screamed fiercely. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks, too afraid that one step could be their last.

"What do we do now?" Alicia asked with the blonde's arms still firmly placed around her waist in a protective manor. Elyza looked over at the Blakes for any idea at all.

"I don't know just don't anyone move a muscle," Bellamy ordered before looking around for other mines.

"You know, this wasn't how I imagined myself dying. This isn't even remotely close, and if we move there's a good chance that's going to happen. But I agree we cannot stay here. We need to get to Ofelia." Nick stated.

"I know just let me think," Elyza breathed heavily, still recovering from getting the wind knocked out of her.

Sweat dripped down at the base of her neck, it had turned out to be an unbelievably hot summer day and tempers began to rise much like the sun that was still behind thick gray clouds that threatened rain. Even with the sun hidden away the heat was proving to be too much as it rained down on them like a shot of hell fire, creating patience to wear thin. The group argued all around her about what course of action to take all the while she just stayed calm. It was a trait of hers, to stay cool and collected in trying times such as this one. It is ultimately why the others often looked to her as a leader, knowing she could make choices with a level head as the others were too emotional or didn't fare well with making discussions under pressure. She was the opposite, she thrived under pressure. It pushed her to be better, quicker, smarter and stronger than her opponents whatever it may be. Elyza's mind raced through a million different scenarios of how to handle this predicament. She looked out toward Alicia's friend beyond the scorched, sand like dirt. She needed to think of something quick to save themselves and Alicia's friend before the group ended up doing something rash. Before Alicia did something rash.

"So, we move we die, or we stay put and not only does Ofelia die but we die as well. Great options guys." Chris added sarcastically.

"Listen kid if you have any bright ideas you are more than welcomed to voice them," Bellamy tells him but Chris just glares back at him not having any ideas of his own.

The man nods expectantly, " right that's what I thought."

"How many do we think are out there?" Octavia asks.

"I don't know exactly how many there are." Elyza adds.

"Ok than maybe we can slowly make our way back the way we came," the older Blake suggested.

"No! We need to get to Ofelia!"Alicia told them.

"I understand she's apart of your group but she's dead. There is nothing we can do for her now! We need to worry about ourselves," the curly haired man tried to convinced them.

"You don't know that!" Alicia added angrily.

"I do! Look we move forward we could die!"

"We move backwards we could die!"Chris argued back.

"We cant leave her there!" Nicked yelled.

Alicia looked to blue eyes that were watching her closely. When Elyza didn't say anything Alicia's eyes grew dark with determination. She needed to help her friend even if it meant with or with out the rest of them.

"I'm going to get her, I will not leave her like that," she states bitterly.

"You're not going alone, we are coming with you. She is out family too," The boys informed before Elyza grabbed the younger Clark's hand with a steady grip just as she was about to walk away.

"No, you will not," Elyza ordered slipping into the commander role effortlessly. She knew Alicia would risk her life. She was loyal to her family and would do anything for them but Elyza wouldn't dare allow a single hair to be harmed upon her head if she could help it. So she did what she always did, sacrifice her safety for the others.

Elyza looked into Alicia's green glare,"I will go."

Her eyes widened in surprise just for a moment. She knew she really shouldn't be all that surprised. Elyza was always putting herself in danger so others didn't have to. She had risked her life countless times trying to protect Alicia. However even though she knew this is how her friend was this act still came as a surprise. The feeling of surprise was short lived being followed by annoyance. She knew Elyza wasn't going to let her go with her, not with out a fight at least. No, if she was going than Alicia would be right by her side. This was her family and she couldn't let the blonde leader bare this on her own.

"Elyza! You can't be serious!" Bellamy said with disbelief. His curly locks clung to his forehead as he spoke while the collar of his white t shirt was noticeably drenched with sweat.

Alicia watched Bellamy's wide eyed expression as he quickly glanced over at her before speaking in Trigedasleng. While she didn't understand what the two of them were saying, only being able to catch a word or two, she studied their body language closely. It gave her a sense of what they were fighting over. With the way Bellamy forcefully pointed back at Ofelia's position and Elyza's firm stance she knew he wanted to leave Ofelia behind. It angered her tremendously. He didn't want to risk his life that was fine but he shouldn't try to stop those who did.

(1) Bellamy's lips drew back in a snarl as he spat out,"She's stedaunon!"

(2) "Nothing osir can do!" He told Elyza but she refused to believe the woman was really dead and that there was nothing they could do for her now. They didn't know that and that's exactly what she told him.

(3) "Osir nou know bilaik." She didn't like to assume anything without cold, hard facts. What if she was still alive and they leave? Leaving anyone to suffer like that was in human.

(4) "So you're willing kom risk our lives gon em?" He accused.

Elyza shook her head negatively and he looked at her with a quizzical expression. No she was not going to risk their lives for this one woman. She would not ask Bellamy or the others to do so in her right mind. Especially since Alicia and her brothers were not officially apart of their community. She would risk her own life to potentially save this woman if she was indeed still alive. She would risk her own life because she made a promise to Alicia, one that she did not take lightly. She was going to help find her family and help get them back on their feet.

"I'm not telling you to go. I won't risk your lives but I am going," she informed him slipping back to English.

"I'm coming with you," Alicia told the blonde.

"No!" Both Bellamy and Elyza stated in unison not even looking away from the other. Alicia gave an icy green glare of her own at the two and before she could argue Octavia spoke.

"Shit, guys we have company," Octavia said pointing ahead toward a group of walkers.

"If the heard walks this way they are going to blow us up," she continued which gave Elyza an idea. Her eyes lit up like the sky did when the sun rose in the morning.

"No that's it. Call them over. Maybe they can make us a path or at least will tell us where the remaining mines are. Unless anyone has any better ideas. I'm all ears."

When no one protested the blonde began to get the walkers attention. Soon after everyone joined in. The walkers followed the sounds the group made and when the the first creature struck a mine Elyza shielded Alicia from the falling debris. The monster exploded into the air and like dominoes one after another were also sent flying. It misted with red rain droplets and down came rotten limbs falling on top of other mines setting them off in the process. A few more fiery explosions went off until there was nothing but a cloud of black smoke and a stillness in the air. Alicia coughed looking toward her brothers to make sure they were ok to see them wiping remnants of ash and crimson from their faces. It smelt like rotten flesh and sulfur as she covered her nose with her sleeve.

Alicia rubbed at her eyes with her palm trying to get the sting of the smoke away from her eyes before it fully started to burn. When she coughed once more she was met with bright blue eyes that radiated through the billowing clouds of smoke. There was always something about those eyes that had a way of memorizing her. It happened almost every time she caught herself staring at the blonde. Whenever she was around Elyza no matter if they were fighting a horde of walkers or just hanging out of the roof top she felt safe. Alicia stared while the the blonde tied a bandanna around her neck and slightly shivered when Elyza's finger tips softly grazed the sides of her cheeks when she pulled up the bandanna to cover her face.

"Don't breath this stuff in," she heard Elyza say softly but all she could do was nod silently and watch as she reached out for a pair of goggles to protect Alicia's eyes.

"Wait until the smoke clears until we can see! Than carefully we will move out!" Elyza ordered looking to the others.

Once the smoke had cleared enough to where everything was somewhat visible they managed to make it out of the mine filed with no other incident to everyone surprise. They watched every step they took, moving at a snails pace and scanning the area before anyone dared to take one step. It took them two long excruciating hours before they were clear. By the time they finally got to Ofelia the sun was starting to set and with the already cloudiness from the sky it was going to get dark fast.

"Shit!" Octavia said as she looked upon the tan woman strapped to a tree with rusted chains.

"Help me get her down!" Alicia yelled frantically as the group obliged and Octavia looked for a way to unwrap the tightly woven chains around her body.

"Hold on, step aside," Elyza said before driving her hatchet into a few of the chains. Nick and Chris held her up while Octavia and Bellamy mimic Elyza's actions on the other side. With a few more strong swings the chains broke, releasing the girl from her chain prison. Nick and Chris carefully brought her to the ground so Octavia could look her over.

"Ofelia!"Alicia yelled causing the woman to stiff and a soft groan escaped from the woman.

"Alicia," she mumbled, barely audible for her voice was horse and weak. The younger Clark softly held the other brunette's hand that had been branded with the same letter that was on the two severed heads they saw earlier. Ofelia's knuckles were raw with some dried remnants of blood. She looked so frail as if she might break into a million pieces like a glass vase. A sight Alicia was not used to seeing. The woman before her was a strong and lively but now her once olive skin was mostly covered in dark bruises with a reddish tint due to sun exposure. Her left eye was swollen shut and her lips looked painfully chapped.

"I'm here, Nick and Chris are too. It's going to be ok," Alicia tried to reassure the woman.

"She's dehydrated," Octavia said as she reached into her rucksack and pulled out a canteen of water, handing it to the brunette. She titled up her head so the woman could easily take a drink but mostly ended up spilling down the front of her as she slowly sipped.

As the group was too focused on the woman they just saved, Elyza stood up; wanting to give the woman some space. She had too many people surrounding her at the moment. She placed a warm hand on Alicia's shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze to let her know Octavia would take care of her friend. Alicia responded by placing a hand briefly atop of Elyza's before returning her attention back onto the woman Alicia considered family.

The blonde leader took a step back because she needed a moment to collect herself and take a breather. They had almost died a couple of times and her hands were trembling from the effects of the adrenaline still coursing though her body. Yet the moment she tried to take in a deep, steady breath it got caught in her throat. Her breath had been taken away as she stared at the tree Ofelia was chained too. Cerulean irises grew dark and cloudy much like the start of an impending storm. She cringed for this was not a normal tree, it was a tree of pure death and Elyza's glare was so fiery it could have set all the charcoal colored branches a blaze.

In thee midst of all the chaos and trying to save Ofelia no one took notice of the horrors just above them. Bellamy who was crouched next to his sister took a finger to his thumb and rubbed the red liquid he had taken from the tree between them. He inspected it further by bring his fingers closer to his nose and took a small sniff. It had a strong metallic and iron smell to it. He frowned in disgust, it was definitely blood. Bellamy looked over at Elyza, frowning in confusion. He knew that look and it was never a good one. He followed her gaze upwards until he saw what had his friend so worried. His body immediately tensed and Bellamy now understood the intense stare and why there was blood running down the tree. He took a few slow steps backwards until he reached her side, now both staring upwards as a cold chill crawled up both their spines.

The tree itself stood tall and brooding, a dark aurora surrounded it chilling the the hot and humid air. It might have once been filled with sweet lullabies from birds and other animals but now it was quite a different story. It was the color of ash or charcoal black. Almost as if it had been either struck by lighting several times or was in fact set a blaze. Everything around it had died as if it had sucked the life force out of everything in the area. The tree's branches were long and slender with pointed tips that pierced through the flesh of various limbs attached to it. Dark crimson from the cages that held more dismembered bodies, painted and dripped down the base of the trunk like rain droplets sliding downward on the smooth glass of a window pane.

Eliza looked to Bellamy where his now hardened gaze matched her own. They had never seen anything so gruesome and they have seen some messed up stuff upon their travels. However this was on a whole other level. This group who called themselves the Reapers were psychotic. The letter R was branded in blood on every surface from the trees to the mutilated bodies and up until now the blonde hadn't realized there was not an inch of the area that wasn't poisoned by Death's touch. It seeped into the soil making everything dull and gray. It rose in the air like an invisible fog carrying with it the putrid smell of rot. She could even taste the bitterness of decay on her tongue and as the two stared on Elyza felt a wave of determination wrapped around a thin layer of fear. She didn't even realize her fist, that were placed at her side, were tightly balled until she felt the twinge of pain in the meat of her palm from her finger nails. She decided right there and then that this was a group who couldn't be reasoned with; and she was going to do everything in her power to protect the ones she loved. Even if that meant possibly starting a war.


(1) She's stedaunon! = She's dead

(2) Nothing osir can do!" = There's nothing we can do

(3) Osir nou know bilaik = We don't know that

(4) So you're willing kom risk our lives gon em? = So you're willing to risk our lives for them?


Author's Note: Hoped you enjoyed and just know I am still working on this story when I can. If I get some more time and have a couple of more chapters up on here I may come back to this one and add more descriptive detail. I have some chapters already written but again, they need some polishing up. Anyway, if you celebrate thanksgiving have a happy turkey day and stay awesome guys!