Author's note: Thank you galwidanatitud, my second reviewer! Have I ever told you guys how much I love reading reviews? Well, I do, so thank you very much for taking the time to make my day!

Happy Christmas to everyone and Happy Holidays as well! I will probably be writing a few chapters before actually posting them, that way I'm always ahead. So I probably won't be updating until next year, but don't worry I will update asap.

This chapter is starting with Lexi's POV, I wanted to get more into her character as well. I have big plans for her as well (wink wink) so stay tuned. As always, hope you enjoy!

-DragonLady

Updated 4-23-2016

"Life moves on, can't stay the same

For some of us, I'm worried..."

Avenged Sevenfold - Until the End

Chapter 5 - Guts and Glory

Lexi's POV

I wipe the sweat from my forehead as I continue to walk through the forest. I push a strand of dirty blonde hair sticking to the side of my face behind my ear. Even though my hair is up in a ponytail, my layers continue to fall out, making me regret them for the first time. The hot, sticky weather making me think about having someone cut it all off. The bucket in my hand moves slightly as I walk, the berries and mushrooms clanging softly against the side as they roll around. I look over at Amy, who's walking beside me, "They are going to be fine."

She gives me a small smile, "I know you're right, I just can't help but to worry." Andrea, her older sister, and her haven't been apart since the world fell apart. I feel a tugging at my heart as I think about my family. I just wish I could know for sure if they were alive or not, the fact that I don't know is what hurts the most.

I clear my head of these thoughts, not wanting to start crying again. "So, how do we know if they're poisonous or not?" We were sent out to look for anything edible, berries or mushrooms. I managed upon a blueberry plant and we found some mushrooms, but we don't know for sure whether we can actually eat them or not.

She shrugs her shoulders at me, "I was going to ask Lori."

"Good idea. Ready to head back?" She takes a look in her bucket before nodding and we start walking back to camp.

When we get back to camp, we make a beeline to Lori. She's by the fire pit and when she sees us she asks if we had any luck.

We bring over buckets and dump the contents into a bowl in her outstretched hand. Amy speaks to her first, "How do we tell if they're poison?"

Lori looks at the mushrooms, "Uh, there's only one sure way I know of."

I raise my brows, "Eat them?"

Amy looks dubious, "Ask Shane when he gets back?"

"Ya, you got it. Lexi, do you mind watching Carl? I want to see if I can find anything as well." She gives me a hopeful look, though I know she's actually going off to meet Shane, who's off 'scouting' the permitter. Eve told me she saw them together one day.

I smile, keeping my face from showing any signs that I know she's lying, "Of course not, I was going to start lessons soon anyway." Even though I never got my teaching degree, upon hearing I was in my final year, Carol and Lori begged me to start teaching what I could to the kids. They wanted there to be some semblance of normalcy in their lives and it gives them, and me, something to do.

She stands, walking away towards the RV slightly before yelling up at Dale, "Dale, I'm heading out." She looks over at Carl, who's playing with his toy cars, "Sweetheart, I want you to listen to Lexi while I'm gone, and stay where Dale can see you, ok?"

"Yes, mom." I barely hear his small voice coming from the other side of the car blocking me from his view.

Dale shouts back to Lori about not going to far as well, and shouting if she needs help. I make my way over to Carl, who looks sadly after his mother. Being with him practically every day, he's told me how much he misses his father and even thinks his mom has changed, like she's pulling away from him. For such a young kid to say that, it makes me sad. Lori has been through a lot and doesn't know how to deal with it, but it's upsetting that she doesn't make enough time for Carl.

I kneel down to his level, "Ready to practice more cursive? Or would you rather do math today?"

I watch as he squints his eyes, trying to decide, "Cursive, math makes my head hurt."

I laugh, "Mine too." He smiles and I put out my hand for him, he sets his cars down and places his hand in mine. "Let's go get the others." He nods and we set off to get Sophia, Eliza, and Louis. I wonder briefly how Eve is doing, hoping everything is going ok.

Evelyn's POV

I feel a hand on my shoulder and look over at Glenn, his face covered with worry. I try to nod my head, signaling I'm fine, but feel it just flop down as my body leans towards him. I attempt to keep my breathing steady, willing my head to stop spinning. I can't focus fully on what's happening around me, though I hear talking. I start coming to right as the officer hits Merle with his own gun. Finally! Merle hits the ground and the officer puts a cuff around his wrist and the other around some piping. I feel no sympathy for Merle, knowing he put himself in this predicament.

The officer pulls Merle into a sitting position, "Who the hell are you man?" I can see Merle's face in red with anger as I'm directly across him.

The officer gets in his face, "Officer Friendly." I try to laugh at his comment, but it just turns into a coughing fit, I'm barely able to make out what Officer Friendly says next as I practically hack up a lung, "Look here, Merle. Things are different now. There are no niggers anymore, no dumb as shit in-bread white trash fools either. Only dark meat and white meat. It's us and the dead. We survive this by pulling together, not apart."

"Screw you man." I hold my side in pain, glaring at him in resentment. Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not polite to hit a girl?

"I can see you make a habit of missing the point." He continues to stare Merle down.

"Ya, well screw you twice." Very mature, asshat.

Officer Friendly then pulls a handgun on Merle, "You 'aught to be polite to a man with a gun, only common sense." He throws his own words back in his face.

Merle shows no fear, or maybe that's just stupidity, "You wouldn't, you're a cop." No one is what they used to be anymore, everything's changed.

"All I am anymore is a man looking for his wife and son. Anybody gets in the way of that, is gunna lose. I'l give you a moment to think about that." He reaches in Merle's pocket and pulls out a small tube, then flicks his nose, "Got some on your nose there."

"What are ya gunna do, arrest me?!" He laughs before noticing where the officer is heading, he begins tell yell about his stuff. I should have figured he was on something, sound have been obvious. "Hey, if I get loose you better pray! You hear me, you pig? You hear me?"

Not wanting to be in Merle's presence any longer, I attempt to stand, with the help of Glenn. I feel slightly woozy, but start walking anyway. Walk it off, honey!

"What were you thinking?!" Glenn shout-whispers at me. As I look at him, I can see how worried he looks. I'm not used to seeing anyone but Lexi worry about me.

"I just wanted to try and help, I didn't really have time to think." He leads me to the metal stairs and sits down with me there, handing me a bottle of water, which I eagerly start drinking. It helps ease the dizziness so I give the rest to Glenn, who slides it in his backpack before messing with his walkie as T-Dog continues to mess with mine.

Morales and the officer walk over towards us, the officer joins Andrea and Jacqui against the wall as Morales heads towards T-Dog, "How's that signal?"

Static can be heard as T-Dog messes with the controls, "Like Dixon's brain, weak."

I look over at Merle, who's flipping T-Dog off, while Morales urges T-Dog to keep trying for camp. Just as I had thought earlier, Andrea voices my opinion, "Why? There's nothing they can do. Not a damn thing."

I turn towards Glenn, eager to hear more about the officer, "So, a tank, huh?"

He stops messing with the radio and looks at me, "Yep, came riding into town on a horse. The Geeks got to the horse, but that dumbass managed to get into a nearby tank. I know if I was ever in that situation I would hope someone would help me, so I helped him out of there." Poor horse.

I smirk at him, "How heroic of you." He fake laughs at my teasing, "What's his name?"

"Rick, or Deputy Dumbass." He smiles, making me laugh with his nickname. That's one of the best things about him so far, even through all this he manages to make me laugh. "How are you feeling?"

I take a deep breath, "Feels like I just got back from a rave after getting hit by a semi, but I'll be fine." I give him a weak smile.

"Hey Glenn," Morales cuts in, "check the alley. See any manhole covers?" I stand up, watching as Glenn runs to the other side of the roof. I take the opportunity to walk over to my bow and quiver, quickly collecting them before going back to my original spot.

"No, must be all out on the street where the Geeks are." He stops right next to me.

"Maybe not," Jacqui speaks up, "Old building like this built in the 20's, big structures often had drainage tunnels into the sewers in case of flooding. Down in the subbasements." I'm pretty sure that's the most I've ever heard her say at once.

Glenn looks questionably at her, "How do you know that?"

"It's my job, was. I worked in the city zoning office." Well that would sure explain that burst of normally useless information.

Rick makes his way towards the stairwell, everyone but T-Dog and Merle (obviously) following, grabbing flashlights on the way. Making my way down the stairs, I'm surprised I don't find myself getting dizzy, but I'm starting to feel the soreness from being tossed against that pipe, I hold my side in any effort to minimize the pain. That'll definitely leave a nasty bruise tomorrow. Rick asks Glenn if he's ever seen anything that might lead down to the sewers and Glenn says he might have an idea of where it is.

When we reach the bottom of the stairs, Glenn leads the way to a dark room. Everyone turns their flashlight on and we stand around a tunnel that leads down. We try to illuminate the tunnels, but it makes almost no difference. It looks like one of those scary movie scenes where people foolishly go into and end up dying. The power of positive thinking, huh?

I clear my head of those ominous thoughts as Morales questions whether this is really it, to which Glenn replies, "I've really scoped this place out the other times Eve and I have been here, it's the only thing in this building that goes down. But I've never gone down it, who'd want to, right?"

Oh boy, you just jinxed yourself. Now who's the dumbass. Everyone immediately looks at him, expectantly. His face falls as he realizes the implications, "Oh. Great."

Andrea looks at him, "We'll be right behind you." I look at her, wondering what good all of us will do down there.

"No you won't. Not you." I find myself wanting to laugh at his reaction, but stop myself as she's right beside me. I feel her tense up, indignation written all over her face.

"Why not me?" Because you have no idea what you're doing. "Think I can't?" Uhh, ya pretty much. I glare at her, not liking her rude tone.

Glenn mumbles after the overly defensive tone of her voice, but Rick encourages him to speak his mind. "Look, until now, it's just been Eve and I. In and out, grab a few things, no problem. First time we bring a group, everything goes to hell. No offense. If you want me to go down this drainage hole, fine. But only if we do it my way." You tell them. "It's tight down there, if I run into something I have to get out quick. I don't want you all jammed up behind me getting me killed. I'll take one person." Rick steps forward slightly, but Glenn shoots him down quick, "Not you either. You've got Merle's gun and I've seen you shoot, I'ld feel better if you're out in that store watching those doors, covering our ass." He looks between Andrea and I, "You two have the only other guns, so you both should go with him." I nod my head as he points at Morales, "You be my wingman. Jacqui stays here, something happens, yell down to us, get us back up here in a hurry."

Jacqui says ok, Rick pats Glenn on the shoulder, "Ok, everybody knows their jobs."

I watch as he gives me a nod, puts his flashlight in his mouth, and makes his way down to the tunnel before turning around and going back to the front of the store, Rick and Andrea following closely behind me. I hear as she apologizes, half-assed, for the gun in his face, to which he responds that she should take the safety of her gun off. I can't help as the laugh escapes this time. Luckily, with the Geeks pounding on the door, I doubt she even hear me.

I pace around the store, testing my movement with my bow, I find it difficult to fully draw an arrow. I lift up my shirt to find a massive bruise forming on the side where I was hit. It'll probably be even worse tomorrow. I test it a few more times, seeing if I would be able to work through the pain biting my side as I draw an arrow, but I just end up putting it across my back in favor of my gun. I cock it, ensuring there's a round in the chamber and the safety is actually off before putting it in my front waistband, for easy access.

I make my way over to Rick and Andrea just as we see the glass break on the first set of doors, I pull my gun out and follow behind Rick as he goes closer to the doors, ready to back him up. I notice Morales run up to Rick's side, Jacqui and Glenn coming up a few seconds later. Morales breaks the news that there isn't a way out and Andrea ominously states our need to find a way out, and soon. Way to state the obvious.

They all start heading for the roof, but with my side I decide to stay where I am, not eating to run up and down the stairs any longer. Glenn pauses, but I wave him away. Leaning up against the display case, I watch the Geeks continue to bang on the door, hoping we find a way out of here before they crash through. I feel a sharp pain in my side and turn around, placing my arms against the glass and hunching over. I take deep breaths and wait for the pain to subside. I open my eyes and see my reflection staring back at me, surprised at how different I look. My once bright green eyes looks dull and empty and my usually vibrant and healthy strawberry blonde hair is wavy and frizzy. In a ponytail it still hangs over my shoulder, but with the lack of washing and conditioning it's become unruly, making me look wild.

I'm pulled away from my self assessment as everyone comes into the store again, hopefully with a plan of action to get us the hell out of here. Glenn is shaking his head as he follows Rick to an area of the store away from me. I follow, curious to know what they have planned.

Rick is picking out rubber gloves as Glenn looks hesitantly at him, "If bad ideas were an olympic event, this would take the gold." Rick hands everyone a pair of gloves, including me, before going over to a rack with trench coats.

Morales walks over to him, "He's right, just stop, ok? Take some time to think this through." What's this fucking plan that's got everyone so worked up? If it'll get us out, then it's gotta be better than nothing, right?

"How much time? They already got though one set of doors, that glass won't hold forever." He tosses the coats at us as well, a determined look on his face. As he makes his way to the helmet section of the store, I go up to Glenn and demand an explanation.

"He wants to disguise him and I as walkers so we can make it to a van. If we smell like them, then he thinks we'll be fine. So we're going to take the ones in the alley and cover ourselves in them so we smell dead." Glenn looks uncertain as Rick ushers us to the back room. That is a pretty crazy plan, maybe crazy enough to actually work though.

When we make it to the room, Rick has us wait as Morales and him go to the alley to get the walkers. Glenn and Andrea open the door, ready to provide cover as they drag the bodies into the room. We all gather around the bodies, forming a circle as Rick smashes the glass, getting the axe left in case of fires. We all stare at the bodies, unsure about what we're about to do. I just hope it works.

Rick is about to take a swing, when he stops and starts searching the body. He tells us about Wayne, what he finds from his wallet. His way of coping, I suppose. I let out a chuckle as Glenn informs us he was also an organ donor. How ironic. Rick begins dismembering the body, hacking away through the screams and moans of protest. Then, we all begin covering Rick and Glenn in the foul smelling blood and guts of poor Wayne. I mouth sorry as I rub some on Glenn's chest, he gives me sideways smile.

Rick tells him to think of something else, "Puppies and kittens."

"Dead puppies and kittens." T-Dog comments. I elbow him, glaring when Glenn begins throwing up. That was incredibly unnecessary.

"That is just evil, what is wrong with you?" For once, Andrea and I have something in common.

"Next time let the cracker beat his ass." Jacqui adds.

T-Dog gets a remorseful look on his face as I start rubbing Glenn's back soothingly with my bloodied glove hand. "I'm sorry."

Glenn is still hunched over, but no longer puking. His voice comes out raspy, "You suck."

"Do we smell like them?" Even Rick has a slightly weary look on his face.

Andrea answers, "Oh yeah." She then takes her glove off and gets her gun, going over to Glenn, "Glenn, just in case." She pulls aside his coat and puts the gun in the front waistband of his jeans.

"If we make it back, be ready." Rick adds ominously.

"You'll make it back." I add in, looking at both Rick and Glenn.

"What about Merle Dixon?" Rick reaches in his pocket and tosses T-Dog the key.

Rick then asks for the ax, stating they need more guts. I try not to laugh at the irony, thinking they have plenty of guts to carry out this plan.

"No guts, no glory. Right?" I smirk over at Glenn, who glares at me. Clearly not finding that as amusing as I did.

Completely covered in blood, guts, and body parts, they set off. Everyone else runs up to the roof, but I once again stay in the store. I go towards the front, trying to watch. I catch small glimpses of Glenn's hat, but other than that I don't see much. I go over to the display case and lean against it. Now, we wait.

I lean there for a few minutes, the Geeks pounding on the door, before I start hear thunder. Oh shit. I walk closer towards the doors, looking at the shy as it turns grey with rainclouds. Suddenly, it begins to rain and all I can think of is the mob of Geeks those two are surrounded by. Please let them be ok. My heart start pounding harder when I hear gunshots echoing through the streets. I start pacing in front of the doors, ignoring the Geeks as my mind races. Are they ok? Did they make it? What do we do now?

I'm interrupted, however, as Morales comes running into view, "Let's go!"

Oh, thank god! They actually made it. I go over to the display and pick up my duffle, ignoring the screaming in my side as I fling it over my shoulder. I quickly scan the area, making sure I didn't leave anything valuable behind. Satisfied, I run after the others as the glass begins breaking on the final set of doors. Cutting it a bit close, aren't we? We make it to the loading area and all of us put our hands on the chain, ready to pull when necessary.

As we stand there, I hear the sound of a car alarm as it makes its way towards us. Morales shushes us and Andrea asks what the noise is.

"It's a car alarm." I answer as I hear the rumble of an engine, "Guess they stole a car too." We keep quiet, waiting for a signal.

As we wait, I faintly begin to hear T-Dog's voice, but can't understand what he says. He makes into the room we're in and looks breathless and scared, yelling that we need to go. When we hear a beating against the metal, we rush to open the door. We see Rick in the back of the vehicle, holding his hands out as we start throwing bags at him. He goes to the front and I jump into the back after with the others after throwing my bow ahead of me, getting in just as the gang of Geeks comes through the doorway. Morales closes the back and we all sit for a moment, catching our breath.

As I look around I notice the absence of Merle and Glenn, and as everyone else is looking I figure they notice the same thing. I figure Glenn was the source of the car alarm noise, but am curious as to what happened to Merle.

I look at T-Dog, who had the key. "I dropped the damn key." We all stay quiet, not sure what to say. Well, Daryl isn't going to be very happy.

"Where's Glenn?" Andrea looks at Rick.

Rick smiles, "He's in a Challenger. We used it as a diversion, trying to get the walkers away from the store."

"I bet he's having some fun with it right about now." I comment as I pull up my shirt, taking a look at my right side, where a large bruise is starting to form.

I notice Andrea looking, her eyes going wide at she looks at it, "Merle did that?"

I nod my head, wishing I had an ice pack right about now. I notice some swelling, but luckily I am able to breath just fine. I just hope I'll still be able to use my bow, I don't want to have to rely solely on my gun. I put my shirt back down, knowing there's nothing I can do about it now.

We all sit in silence for a few minutes before Morales looks over at Rick, "Best not on it, Merle gettin' left behind. Nobody's going to be sad he didn't come back." I look over at Morales, thinking Daryl will be very sad, just as he corrects, "Except, maybe Daryl."

Rick looks confused, "Daryl?" I start to hear the faint noise of a car alarm, wondering if it's Glenn in the Challenger.

"His brother." Morales leans forward, looking out the mirror.

I stand, albeit shakily, and look out the windshield as an orange Challenger drives by, Glenn's fist out the window as he screams joyously. I smile, secretly hoping I'll get a turn as well.

"At least somebody is having a good day." Morales adds wearily.

"We're still alive, means it's a good day." I add, hoping to cheer him up. It could have been worse, we all could have died. I think about Merle, sure he was an asshole, but no one deserves to die like that; chained to a roof and unable to fight. Daryl is going to hate us all.

I sit back down, next to Jacqui, and just listen to Morales as he gives Rick directions to our camp. Once we get close to camp, I hear the car alarms as it echoes off the mountains. I stand between Morales and Rick again, trying to get a better look. That could potentially be an issue. It stops abruptly, just before we pull into the entrance of camp. I see Glenn by the car, Amy and Lexi next to each other and everyone else pretty close to the Challenger.

Morales pats Rick on the chest, "Come meet everybody." He gets out and goes straight towards his family. His kids running up to him as he gets close.

Andrea eagerly opens the back of the van and runs towards her sister, Amy's relief evident on her face.

Rick is rubbing the bridge of his nose, he looks tense and upset. "You'll find them." He looks at me wearily, "I'll help you." I give him a reassuring smile before grabbing my bow from the back and getting out of the van. I walk over to Lexi, giving her a hug, carefully keeping my right side turned away from her. The last thing I want her to know is how badly I got hurt.

I notice Lori kneeling down with Carl, a sad look covering their faces. Lexi notices my gaze, "He thinks his dad will come find them." She looks heartbroken, much like I'm sure Carl is. I know what it's like to loose a parent, but can't imagine what it's like in the middle of all this as well.

"How'd y'all get outta there anyway?" I look over at Shane, his brow raised. No thanks to you.

I keep silent, knowing there's nothing good I have to say to him. "New guy, got us out." Glenn answers.

Shane looks utterly lost, "New guy?"

"Yeah, crazy vato just got into town. Hey, helicopter boy. Come say hello." Morales explains, "Guys a cop, like you."

Shane walks forward, trying to get a better look at Rick who's finally come out of the van to meet everyone. I watch as Shane's face changes from shock to recognition, equalling the look on Rick's face. Shane knows Rick? Rick knows Shane?

Rick then looks past Lexi and I, lifting his hand up in disbelief. I look behind me, at Carl and Lori. Carl has a face of unadulterated joy as he runs towards Rick yelling 'dad.' I watch the exchange, my heart pattering away. The love that comes from the two brings tears to my eyes. He found his family after all. Then I think about Shane and Lori. Oh no, this won't be good

Fun Fact: I was watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while writing most of this, it's my guilty pleasure show I watch it every year. (Don't judge me!)