AN: Sorry I haven't updated in so long, had exams and a death in the family. But here it is..The next chapter! :D

Chapter 14 – Flowers For a Ghost

Randy

"Find anyone yet Alex?"

"Found a few but still not enough.. It's difficult to find superstars willing to rebel against the capital. You never know if some of them might rat you out."

Randy rubbed his chin in thought as Alex stood across the table from him, looking down at a map. The pair of them, along with 5 other people consisting of AJ Lee, AJ Kirsch, Riley, Ashley and Christian, stood in a decent sized room backstage at the Raw Arena. The 7 of them had spent the past 24 hours looking for more members of their army, but hadn't had much luck. So far, out of all of them, they had only found 3 people; Justin Gabriel, Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins. Now those 3 were out looking for more rebels.

"I heard Brodus, Yoshi and Trend may join us. That's 3 more."

"Great the number's increasing! Thanks Randy, you've been a huge help. Unlike some people."

The pair turned their attention to the others who were sitting at the back of the room except Ashley who stood at Randy's side as usual. Aj Lee stood next to Christian, watching the television as instructed to do so by Alex. While Riley and Kirsch sat down against the wall, doing nothing but listening to music through AJ's iPod.

"We can do this without them Alex, don't worry."

"Hope you're right man. So when we get the helicopters we'll send them at this point." Alex said marking certain arenas on the map.

"We can't land their so we may need to jump."

"Then we'll have to find a field nearby, to get their unnoticed."

"If only you saw what I can see. You'll understand why I want you so desperately-"

"There should be a field near the dome where the arena is."

"Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe you don't know, you don't know you're beautiful-"

"Okay so we'll land there and—"

"That's what makes you beautiful!"

"AJ WILL YOU SHUT UP!" Alex turned around to yell at the pair at the back, singing along to One Direction.

"Geez sorry dude.." AJ Kirsch said taking out his share of the headphones.

"We're trying to concentrate and you're not even doing anything to help! Make yourself useful for once!"

"I am being useful! I'm singing! Music helps people focus!" Beside him, Riley giggled, snuggling against her boyfriend.

Alex groaned and turned back to the map.

"Na na na na na na!"

"Okay that is it!"

Randy couldn't help himself from laughing as Alex stormed over to the couple and snatched the iPod from AJ's hands. Even Ashley let out a small giggle which surprised Randy. It had been a while since he heard her laugh. Her beautiful laugh. He smiled down at her, the girl of his dreams. Who he would never give up on.

"They are like children. Alex is like a father who is scolding his children for not helping their mother. In this case, Kaitlyn is the mother." Ashley said with another giggle.

"Haha you're right!" Randy pulled her closer to him.

He missed moments like these. Things haven't been the same between him and Ashley since after she returned from the arena. Then again, things weren't even the same when he returned. 5 years ago. 5 years of pain. He remembered when Ashley started in the WWE. Her brother Adam is close friends with Randy, so they met through him. Randy had volunteered to help Ashley train and the pair of them got along so well. The memories of them together brought a smile to Randy's face.

- 4 years ago -

It was the evening before the Reaping. Randy sat on the beach, watching as the sun set over the ocean. It was such a beautiful sight, but to him it was the second most beautiful sight on the beach. He smiled as Ashley took her place next to him. Even though it was a sad time, seeing her brightened his day. As winner of the first Death Royal, he was not included in the Reaping. But he was worried for Ashley. If he lost her, he had nothing to live for.

"You do know I've been waiting here a while for you Randy.. I had to walk around the beach twice waiting."

"I'm sorry Ashley, I had another signing.."

"Ever since you won you've changed..You're always so busy."

"I hate this just as much as you do but it's tough to say no to Vince.."

"Yeah it must be so tough having women throwing themselves at you.."

"But I'd rather be here with you. You do believe me right?"

"I used to.. I don't know what to believe anymore."

"You have no idea what it's like for me now!"

The smile on Randy's face had long faded. He hated arguing with Ashley, but all the victory signing's and parades had gotten on his last nerve. He hated being away from her. He felt like he was starting to lose her. Like she was starting to slip away. Sure he had the attention of loads of other women, but Ashley is the only one he wanted. No one else compared to her. Frustrated he stood up and flung a rock into the ocean with all his strength then collapsed back down on the sand, his hands covering his face. A frown came across Ashley's face as she sat back down beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Then tell me Randy.. Help me understand."

"I can't.."

"Hey come on." Ashley took his hands and pulled them away from his face. "When did we start keeping secrets from each other?"

Randy let out a sigh. "All I have now is secrets. I can't tell you Ashley. Even if I could I'd just end up losing you one way or another."

"There's nothing you can say that'd make me leave you."Ashley said caressing Randy's cheek.

Randy chuckled slightly, looking into her eyes. "Is that a bet?"

"No it's a promise." Ashley let out a small giggle and kissed Randy's cheek.

Randy lay his head against her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around him.

"It's okay Randy, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere."

But she was wrong.

- Present -

"Randy honey, are you okay?" Ashley's concerned voice brought Randy back to what was happening.

Alex had returned back to the table and was focused on the marked areas on the map. Riley and AJ were back listening to AJ's iPod but in silence this time. AJ Lee and Christian were still watching the Death Royal, taking notes of who was left. By the look on their faces, there must've been another death.

"Who was it?" Randy said out loud, catching everyone's attention.

Christian looked at him, his expression serious, and instantly knowing what Randy meant responded. "Wade Barrett. Killed by Rob Terry."

Randy sighed softly. The longer they took to gather more rebels, the more deaths there will be. He hated seeing his friends die. 5 years of this. He even had firsthand experience of it. He felt Ashley's hand rubbing his should. The gesture, as usual, comforted him. He placed his hand over hers and smiled at her. If he could've done all this for her, then he would've. Alex was definitely braver then Randy ever was. He admired him for that.

"Yo someone call for help?" Justin Gabriel's voice came from the doorway.

Behind him stood Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins, Brodus Clay, Yoshi Tatsu and Mason Ryan.

"Ted told us where to find you guys." Curt said taking a seat next to A.J Kirsch.

"Poor guy is still grieving over Kelly. I feel bad for him." Tyler took a place next to Curt.

"This is why you don't fall in love with anyone associated with wresting!" Mason turned his attention to the television.

"Dude.. Not cool." Justin glared at Mason, shaking his head, his thumb gesturing towards Alex, who didn't seem to be paying attention.

"Did you guys find out how long it'll be until we can get helicopters to the arena?"

"Yeah but you're not going to like the news."

This caught Alex's attention as he spun around quickly, his eyes locked onto Justin's. "What news?"

"Well.. erm.. It'll take a few days. Sorry man."

Alex slammed his fist down on the table in anger.

"Alex it'll be okay.. I'm sure Kaitlyn will survive till then. She does have Cody afterall."

"Yeah but for how long? That scum might betray her any minute now."

"Actually their alliance is over.." AJ Lee's voice turned everyone's attention to her. "Kaitlyn ditched him. She's on her own now. It's been a few hours. They had a fight it seems."

"Well isn't that just great?"

"Alex! Kaitlyn will be fine! Have faith in her!" Randy's voice was strict. He knew how Alex was feeling but anger never did anyone any good.

"This gives us more time to increase our army." Curt said, watching the television.

"Some army." Tyler Chuckled.

"It's better then nothing." Mason snapped.

"Well the news has been spread to all those that are trust worthy. So now we wait."

Randy looked around the room, locking eye contact with each person. Each of them knew they mightn't make it out of this alive. But that didn't stop them. They were fighting for what was right. This would be the last year of the Death Royal. With Alex's help they would rebel.

And this time Randy would not fail.

Next chapter might be Kaitlyn. Or Cody. Not sure yet. Please review. :D