Hi guys! So part nine is here. Thanks again to all who are still reading, reviewing, following and faving. I love knowing that people are still interested in the story and those are the best way to do it. For those who answered my question I posed on the lost AN last chapter, thank you for answering, it helped me a lot. Anyway, less of this more chapter. Cheers! D.S X
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or The Walking Dean. Any OC's are mine though.
Crossroads
Part Nine
The wendigo growled, teeth that looked to big for its jaw clacking together. "I don't know if you can talk," Dean said, giving the wendigo a searching look, which only made the creature snarl. "Hell, I don't even know if you can understand a word that's coming out of my mouth. But I need some answers, so you'll help me, or you'll end up well done." Dean flicked the lighter to life, flashing the flame in the wendigo's vision, so the creature flinched. A part of Dean knew he was taunting the thing, which was not exactly a smart move, but the hunter that he was couldn't help with wanting the punish the thing. He knew what this thing was capable of. The wendigo stared, heavy breaths coming from its chest as it wheezed through its pain, finally it's jaw cracked open.
"What do you want to know?" it asked in scruff's voice. Dean couldn't stop the shock from crossing his face.
"You can talk?" The wendigo grunted.
"Copy." Dean's eyes widened.
"You can use other voices to speak," Dean was mostly now talking to himself. The thought had never occurred to him before. He had dealt with a wendigo before, he had seen how they can copy another's voice to lure out prey. But he had never once imagined that it could be used for anything other than calling out.
"What do you want to know?" the creature asked again, knocking Dean from his thoughts and back into reality.
"The dead, how did it start?"
"Don't know," it said, voice changing to that of a woman. Dean shook his head and pressed his foot down harder.
"This thing had to start somewhere, was it in a town? Was it released somehow?" the wendigo shrugged.
"Just started. Killed humans and more and more ended up dead," it stretched its lips into what Dean assumed was a smirk. "Easy eating."
"Yeah, I don't want to know about your eating habits," Dean muttered. "Look, you have to know something." The wendigo shook its head. "What about the other creatures? I've spoken to some demons." The wendigo finally looked interested, shifting ever so slightly to focus on the hunter. "They've started to retreat you know. Backed off further into Hell's asshole then they might as well have disappeared. Now what would make them do that? Magic, a big ass demon, what?" The wendigo watched Dean, eyes blinking in it's malformed human face.
"Fear," the thing finally uttered.
"Fear, what do you mean fear? Fear of what?" The wendigo shrugged once more and the hunter saw its hands subtly shift. "Hey don't ..." but the creature was done cooperating. It snarled and tore itself away from where Dean's foot kept it pinned. Dean jumped back, sighing in aggravation as the wendigo twisted to its feet. "Damn thing," Dean muttered, reacting with the ease of long familiarity, lifting the aerosol and setting the spray on fire. The wendigo was engulfed once more, shrieking and rolling around uncontrollably as it tried to bat out the flames, until finally it fell to the ground, dead. "Son of a bitch," Dean grunted. That was a waste of time, he thought, though it had been a long shot either way, with the creature being a wendigo it wasn't likely to know anything of great value. They stuck to themselves and rarely left the woods or forest that were their home. Though the mentioning of the demons fear peeked the hunters interest, it didn't help in explaining what they were scared off, only that it must be bad. Dean rubbed the back of his head as he stashed the aerosol and lighter away. He moved to reclaim his gun, just in time as a Walker wandered into view. "Great, just great," Dean stowed the gun and drew out the silver knife. It was a small group of Walker's, probably drawn by the noise, the wendigo didn't go quietly. Dean headed into the fray, ducking and weaving between the outstretched arms of the dead. As he brained one another gripped his arm. The hunter stumbled and was about to try and shake loose when a crossbow bolt pierced the things head. Dean glanced up to see Daryl, stood with his trusty weapon up near his eyes. The man came quickly to help Dean, though the hunter didn't waste time watching, braining any Walker that came close. Soon the two were surrounded by the downed dead, looking a little out of breath. Dean glanced at Daryl, who was moving to look through the pockets of one of the Walkers. "What you doing out here?"
"Huntin'," Daryl muttered, freeing some cigarettes, flipping open the box to find some still inside.
"Hunting what?" Dean asked carefully. Daryl just shrugged, plucking a cigarette into his mouth, chewing on one end. Dean automatically brought out his lighter, offering it to Daryl who stared at him a moment. Finally he took it.
"Thanks," Daryl lit the end and tossed the lighter back to Dean. "Where's the brat?" he asked, as he puffed out the smoke.
"Left him back in Alexandria," Daryl snorted. "Yeah, he wasn't pleased."
"I bet."
"What were you hunting?" Dean asked again.
"Whatever I can find. Squirrel, boar if I'm lucky."
"You done it a long time?"
"Huntin'?" Daryl asked and Dean nodded. "All my life, only thing that kept me out o' the house. Me and my brother Merle -" Daryl stopped a minuet and Dean caught a look of sadness cross over the usual stoic man's features. He took another drag of his cigarette, "we ... er, we were always doing shit like that."
"Huh," Dean said taking a look at the Walkers surrounding them. "Well, comes in handy now I guess."
"Yeah," Daryl took one last drag and tossed the butt of the cigarette into the grass. "Best be gettin' back, not much daylight left." Dean didn't say anything, but followed Daryl when he started walking. The two kept the silence as they made their way back to Alexandria. "Why was one o' 'em on fire?"
"What?" Dean was surprised by the sudden question.
"One o' 'em was on fire. Ya' set light to a Walker?" Dean hesitated, he didn't think Daryl would have noticed that, but the man was such a stalker, a hunter, tracker, it was stupid to think he wouldn't clock something so obviously strange.
"Yeah, there was lots of them, thought it would distract the rest enough for me to get round them." Daryl glanced at him, but Dean couldn't tell if he'd bought his bullshit or not.
"See, I thought I saw ..." the rest of Daryl's words were cut off as a gun shot echoed around them. Dean dived forward, tumbling so that he could come back up on his knees. Just as his hand reached for his gun someone spoke.
"Don't you fucking move," it wasn't Daryl. Dean looked up, it was one of scruff's group, looking a little worse for wear with a spooked look still on his face. He had his gun pointed right at Dean, though it trembled a bit as he snarled angrily. Dean heard Daryl curse, footsteps coming closer through the grass. "You try anything and I'll smoke this guy," deliberately he pulled back the trigger so it clicked. "I ain't joking."
"Ok, ok," Dean said, raising his hands in surrender. "He isn't going to do anything, just calm down."
"Who the fuck are you?" the guy demanded. "What'd you do to Thomas?"
"I didn't do anything," Dean was surprised by the shot that came from the gun, landing near his feet and making the dirt explode upwards.
"You think I'm stupid?" the guy said with a deranged smile on his face. "That thing came out of no where and took Thomas."
"Well, really it killed him," the words were out of Dean's mouth before he could stop them.
"Shut up, you ... you're some kind of freak. Yeah, a freak." He lifted the gun so it was pointed right at Dean's face. "I need to put you down."
"Hey," Daryl suddenly said. "Look, ya' don't need to shoot him man. Just calm down." Dean nodded.
"Yeah, just ..."
"Shut up! Shut up!" the guy shouted and Dean knew he was going to fire the gun. IS grip tightened and his hand steadied. But instead of the shot of a bullet, a slide of a bolt being loosed filled the air. It was followed by a crossbow bolt slamming into the guys forehead. Jerking his whole body so he fell face first to the dirt. Dean gasped, releasing the breath he had been holding. His eyes shot to Daryl, who was lowering his crossbow. "You killed him." Daryl shrugged at Dean's statement walking to pull out his bolt.
"He would o' killed us." Dean said nothing, getting to his feet to fall into step beside Daryl. He couldn't argue with Daryl's words, the guy would have killed him. To freaked out to think and angry because of what happened to his group. He'd have shot Dean without a second thought. But the hunter couldn't help but feel that maybe it hadn't been needed. Darla, Finn, the guys in Louisa, the demons at Bobby's, even the wendigo. They'd been nesseccary. But this? There could have been another way right?
"What was he talkin' 'bout?" Dean jerked out of his thoughts, focusing back on Daryl.
"What, the crazy guy?" Daryl nodded and Dean rubbed a hand through his hair. It was rather long, he'd have to cut it before it got on his nerves. "Found him with a group, they were talking."
"'Bout what?" Dean hesitated, unsure of what to say. They had said they were looking for a community, but that didn't mean it was Alexandria. Don't cause a panic when you don't have all the facts, the words were said in an echo of his Dad's voice and it was sound, solid advice.
"Couldn't hear. Anyway, I scared them off. Jumped their leader and made it look spooky. Freaked them out I guess, so they ran." Daryl watched him, giving nothing away.
"Right, least they went. Having people like that close to home," he shook his head. "I'll have to tell Rick."
"Great, and it doesn't already look bad that I found them while on my own," Dean moaned.
"Nah, it'll be fine. Scared them off didn't ya'. Gotta count for summat." Daryl glanced at Dean through his hair and the young hunter thought he saw a ghost of a smile. Finally they made it back to Alexandria, a shout came from behind the wall and the gate opened. The two stepped through to be greeted by Maggie.
"You!," she spat, punching Dean on the arm painfully. Dean yelped, which had Daryl sorting.
"What was that for?!" Dean cried, rubbing at his arm to try and sooth the swell of pain.
"Your brat."
"Kid?" Dean asked and Maggie growled.
"He's been driving us mad. Shouting, running around like a lunatic, pranking ..."
"Pranking?" Dean couldn't keep the interest out of his voice which had Maggie scowling at him. She leaned in close, grabbing the front of the hunters coat so that she could pull him right up to her furious face.
"Next time you feel like going out, you take your brat with you. Because it will be you who I throw to the Walkers if I catch him hanging up my underwear from my windows for all to see ever again." Dean swallowed, silently cursing Kid for coming up with such a prank and partly wishing he had been there to see it." Maggie jerked her grip on his coat, shaking him. "You get it?"
"Got it, ma'am," Dean responded and Maggie gave him a vicious smile. Finally letting him go with a condescending pat on the head.
"Good boy."
"Hey, if ya' not killin' him, Rick around?" Daryl asked, not even bothering to hide his smirk from the hunter.
"He's at home," Maggie answered with a shrug.
"Thanks," Daryl grunted walking off. Dean watched him go and hoped that he wouldn't be getting a visit from Rick later.
"Everything go ok out there?" Maggie asked, her frown making her worry clear.
"Yeah, fine," Dean lied, starting out on his own walk to the pantry, he had to store his gun and ammo as promised. The hunter didn't let his irritation show though. He'd found nothing useful from the wendigo. Not that he thought he would, it was a wendigo after all, not exactly the most knowledgeable of creatures. But still Dean had hoped. Plus everything with Daryl. Maybe Dean and Kid would be best getting out of this town while things were still good.
"Good, glad it went ok for you out there," Maggie said, falling into step beside him. "The Walkers, just come out of no where sometimes and ... well, we don't want to loose anyone."
"Even me?" Dean asked, his usual teasing smile on his face. Maggie looked at him, her eyes, only a moment before threatening him with death were soft and a small smile played around her lips. She nudged his shoulder playfully as they came upon the pantry.
"You're one of us now. You and that brat both. Better start getting used to it." And with that she walked away, leaving Dean surprised. The hunter stood still outside the pantry, watching as Maggie disappeared further into Alexandria. Finally his shock caught up with him and all that could spew from his lips was.
"Son of a bitch."
"Dean?" the hunter jumped at the soft sound of his name. He turned to see Kid, standing a little down the street, Eric, Aaron's partner just behind him. Shaking off his thoughts, Dean placed on a smile as the boy came hurtling at him, not stopping even when he had crashed into the hunter's body, arms wrapping around the man. "Whoa, calm down there."
"No one told me you were back," Kid muttered into the hunter's coat. He peeled himself off Dean a little to glare at Eric over his shoulder. The young ginger haired man raised his hands in surrender, but Dean just laughed and ruffled the boy's hair, much to his annoyance.
"Only just got in," Dean said, nodding to Eric, who smiled gratefully at the chance to escape. "Though I have heard about what you did to Maggie." Kid stilled, eyes widening as he glanced subtly left and right. "Don't worry, she's gone. Though what possessed you to do that to her underwear?" Dean started to steer Kid into the pantry, glad that Olivier didn't seem to be there, he really didn't want to deal with her right then. Kid went a bright red and mumbled something under his breath. Dean let him stew in his embarrassment, carefully making sure to put everything back. He was reluctant to give up the gun, but wasn't willing to risk the wrath of Rick. Once everything was back in place, Dean turned back to Kid, an evil smirk twitching at his lips. He leaned closer. "Sorry, didn't hear you, what did you say?" Kid glared at him, then crossed his arms and huffed.
"I thought I'd set up that Rick guy, but she caught me before I could get clear."
"That so? Well next time do a better job, Maggie was going to make me Walker chow."
"It's part your fault anyway. I was bored," Kid pouted. Dean raised an eyebrow, he was sure that wasn't the whole truth, but he would accept it for now.
"Oh yeah? Then maybe I should find you something to do when I go out beyond the wall."
"You could just take me with you," Kid said hopefully.
"You think these people will allow that?"
"But we're not staying here forever, they can't tell us what to do," Dean could hear the whine in Kid's voice, but it didn't stop the question from bringing up his own worries about staying in the community.
"You don't like it here?" Dean asked. Kid frowned, thrown by the odd question, he shrugged.
"It's ok."
"But?"
"They won't let me do anything," Dean stared at the boy for a second, then burst out laughing. "Oi, why's that funny?"
"Nothing Kid," Dean waved away the boy's question, reaching out to wrap an arm around his small shoulders, guiding him out of the pantry. "Come on, I'm starving."
"We're going home?" Dean wanted to twitch at the last word, it being the true confirmation of Kid's feelings about Alexandria. He plastered on a smile and laughed, walking out down the street and back to a stolen house that was being to feel like home.
"I'm telling you, you need to find that pasta maker or I'm going to have to kill that woman."
"Look Eric ..."
"Oh no, you are not getting out of this Aaron. It's me not you that has to put up with that lady's nonsense, so hurry up and make my life easier." Dean smiled and Kid had to muffle his laughter in the hunter's coat as they watched the couple argue back and forth. Though Dean's smile was tinged a little with sadness as he witnessed the display. It was so normal, relaxed, even with the messed up world around them. Alexandria hadn't changed in the two weeks since Dean had found and killed the wendigo. The people were less wary of him and Kid and the two of them were starting to find a place in the community. Strangely that seemed to be with Aaron, Eric and Daryl. The couple had practically laid claim to him and the brat since they had come to Alexandria and refused to relinquish their rights. Inviting them to dinner, coffee and doing what chores that were needed in the community together. Kid had been a little reluctant to get involved at first, but Eric had not taken no and a pout for an answer and whisked the boy off to who knows where in Alexandria, giving Dean a well earned break form the hyper boy. Though the hunter suspected Eric was more keen on keeping Kid out of mischief, Maggie had still not forgiven him about her underwear. Dean had found it a little jarring at first, not used to people other than Kid, Sam or another hunter being in his company so much. But the couple were amusing and Dean appreciated their attempts of trying to involve him. Plus it was damn hilarious to watch them yell at each other. Daryl was a surprise though. Sure, he had his on going competition with Kid, at who could annoy the other the most. Dean got the feeling the older man was winning with how much Kid whined about him. But the older man seemed to always find Dean when the hunter went beyond the wall, still without Kid, which only riled the boy up further. Coming across his path easily that Dean was sure the guy was tracking him on purpose. The two didn't talk a lot, but the easy silence that always came when the two were wandering through the woods together, Dean very much appreciated. Though the times they were together were fewer than Dean would admit that he preferred. Daryl went out with Aaron to recruit and spent a lot of his other time with Rick. Dean hadn't had another run in with Rick, thank any being that was listening. He had talked with the man about the group he had has come across, Dean omitting his suspicion that they were connected to the group in Louisa, but the man didn't seem overly concerned. Dean was sure he had Daryl to thank for that. So Kid and Dean's life had settled, becoming routine, safe and boring.
"Hey Dean, you alright?" Dean quickly morphed his face into a smile.
"Yeah sure, Eric." The ginger haired man gave him a frown, clearly not believing him. The four were making their way to the gate, Aaron was going out on his own recruiting as Daryl was scavenging with Rick.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, don't worry," Dean waved a hand. "Just bummed I can't go recruiting, thought I'd be a good replacement for Daryl."
"Sorry Dean," Aaron said. "I would take you, but you still haven't said what you're doing in the long run." Dean said nothing, knowing that Aaron was right in that regard. Dean knew he would have to make a decision if they were going to leave Alexandria. He was a hunter on a mission, he had never stayed in one place this long before, not even for a hunt. But for some reason Dean was reluctant to move on, finding an excuse to put it off. That Kid's shoulder was still healing, the boy needed more time to recover. That he hadn't completely mapped the area and wasn't confident that they could make it through with so little information. Dean held in the sigh that wanted to spill passed his lips, at the rate he was going he'd find a reason to stay until after winter.
"Dean would kick ass at recruiting. He's way better than Daryl." Dean smiled as Kid huffed next to him, annoyed on his behalf. The hunter reached out and clapped the boy on the shoulder, which got him a smile. Perhaps he should talk to Rick about letting him take Kid out beyond the wall, as a reward. Eric laughed.
"You really have a problem with Daryl, don't you. I like the new signs," Kid beamed at the man and he started to babble about his latest plot against the crossbow wielder. As the gate came into view, Dean was surprised to see Glenn and a few other Alexandrian's stood around, talking in a tight knit group. It was Tara who noticed them first, lifting a hand to wave, causing the others to turn.
"Hey, heading out?"
"Yeah," Aaron answered. "Even with Daryl out with Rick I thought I could do a scout." Glenn nodded, his eyes turning to Dean.
"You going?"
"Not with him," Dean jerked a thumb at Aaron. "Just going for a bit of fresh air, maybe see if I can find a pasta maker," he winked at Eric who laughed.
"What's a pasta maker?" Kid asked, which only had Eric erupting into even more hysterics. Glenn ignored them, to busy giving Dean the once over.
"Up for some scavenging instead? Not many want to come on the run, we could do with the extra numbers." Dean was surprised at the offer, he'd not been expecting it, what with him and Kid still being in no mans land of if they were staying or not.
"I ..."
"Course he will," Eric said, slapping a hand on the hunter's shoulder. "Guy will go stir crazy if he has to look for that pasta maker alone."
"Hey, I didn't ..." Dean tried to say but was cut off once again by Glenn.
"Great, we're heading out now, you got your gear?"
"Well yeah."
"Come on, lets go," Glenn turned to the others who gestured to the person on the gate. Dean hesitated as they made their way out, Eric's hand on his shoulder gave a squeeze.
"Get going then, and find me that pasta maker."
"You setting me up?" the hunter asked and Eric shrugged. Dean gave him a glare, then his eyes found Kid, who was pouting. "Don't give me that face."
"You're going without me, again," Kid muttered, and for once Dean could hear the hurt behind the words. He knew Kid wanted to go on a hunt, or even just outside Alexandria, but Dean hadn't been willing to rock the boat with questioning Rick's earlier decision on the matter. But now, maybe things had changed.
"Hey," Dean said, gesturing so that Kid came up close to him. The boy shuffled forward so Dean could whisper close to his ear. "It's only scavenging, nothing like a hunt, you won't miss much."
"But ..."
"And when I get back," Dean over road the boy's protest. "I'll have a word with Rick, tell him your going nuts in here and will do something to his underwear, possibly turn it pink if he doesn't let you out." The effect was instantaneous. Kid giggled, smile becoming large and he reached out to quickly hug the hunter before pushing him in the direction of where the others had gone.
"Get going then, you better hurry up."
"Sir, yes sir," Dean said with a mock salute, trotting after the quickly disappearing group. He glanced back to see Aaron give Eric a quick kiss then pass through the gate himself and disappearing into the woods. Eric watched him go, then gripped Kid's shoulder, steering him away and out of Dean's sight. Dean's group made their way to one of the cars that was hidden out of sight. They piled in, Glenn in the drivers seat, an older black man, who Dean was sure name was Scott, sliding into the front passenger. Tara sat in the back with Dean and they started the drive in silence, but it didn't last very long.
"That boy of yours is demanding, yeah?" Tara asked which only made Dean laugh.
"Yeah, little shit thinks he's ten men."
"You both settling in?" Tara asked and Dean shrugged.
"I guess, glad I can go out now, staying behind the walls was starting to get annoying. Probably why Kid is going as nuts as he is."
"I think my wife would agree with that," Glenn added with a wince. "She's still pissed about her underwear." Tara chuckled along with Dean, Scott just huffed and Glenn glared out of the front window.
"So he had cabin fever?" Tara asked, Dean nodded. "Yeah, happens to most that have been out there for a while. Thought I was going to go mad when we first came to Alexandria."
"It's all the noise, just not used to ignoring it," Dean admitted.
"Better than being out there though," Glenn said from the front.
"Yeah," Dean muttered. "So where are we going?"
"Town, about an hour away," Scott said.
"You been before?"
"A few times," Glenn added. "There's still some building we need to go through. I'm hoping to hit the store today." Tara raised an eyebrow at that.
"You sure? Place has quiet a few Walkers."
"We need the supplies, we're running low," Glenn explained but Tara still wasn't satisfied.
"But with four? Thought you said we'd need more people before we tackled that place. How about the back estates instead, much quieter and less risk."
"We're doing the store," Glenn said and Dean could hear the finality in his voice. Tara shut her mouth instantly, slumping back, crossing her arms to stare moodily out of the window. Dean didn't bother to voice his thoughts, not that they would be listened to if he did. Why was Glenn so set on the store though? If Tara was worried about it, surely they would be better going somewhere else. They drove on, the minuets passing quickly until Glenn drove into a town, just as abandoned as all the rest seemed to be. They pulled up outside a store front, it could have once been a Walmart, but now was just a rotted shell. As Dean got out of the car he could hear the moans, not too loud, but they were defiantly coming from the store, whose front doors were locked shut with a twist of rope. Tara quickly got out of the car and went to check them.
"It stayed in place."
"Good," Glenn came round to the front of the car and the group of four came together. "Right, we'll go in through the back, we know there's a door there, hopefully less Walkers."
"Anything specific?" Tara asked and Scott pulled out a slip of paper.
"Any medicines if we're lucky. But the usual stuff is really what we're after."
"Great," Tara rolled her eyes. "The canned section it is."
"You and Scott deal with that. Dean and I will look for medicine." Dean looked at Glenn, whose face was serious as he stared right back at him. He nodded, smile in place.
"Fine by me."
"Good, I want to be out of here in a few hours. No staying out too late, Rick's orders." They left the car to head around the back of the store. The rear entrance was locked just as tight as the front. Scott stepped forward and cut the rope wrapped around the handle, pulling it open just a fraction to check inside.
"Clear."
"No guns," Glenn said, pulling free a knife and torch. "Keep in sight of each other and don't mess up." Dean licked his lips, slipping free the demon killing knife, watching as Scott and Tara moved carefully into the store. He and Glenn waited a few minuets then went in themselves. The place was pretty trashed, glass and broken bits and pieces littered the floor, making an annoying crunching sound as they walked across it. Glenn took the lead, Dean didn't mind, happy to stay in the back in this unfamiliar situation. They moved out of what Dean thought was the stock room and into the store itself. Dean could barely hear Tara and Scott over the groan and snarl of the Walkers. He didn't have time to think to much about it though as one was already shuffling over to them. Glenn glanced back at him and Dean took it as a queue, stepping passed the man and stabbing the thing in the head. They didn't even wait for it to hit the floor before moving on, creeping round the shelves that still stood, creating a collapsing maze.
"Start checking out the shelves," Glenn said, moving over to one himself.
"Sure," Dean started to route around coming across a few cans that he stashed in his rucksack. A moan had him turning, as a Walker lumbered towards him out of the dark. Before he could react however Glenn had wacked the thing, so it fell lifeless. "Thanks," Dean said, Glenn nodded. "You're pretty good at this."
"Kind of been doing it since the beginning," Glenn said as he moved around the shelves, Dean keeping pace with him as he checked the other side.
"You always been with Rick's group?" Dean asked, Glenn snorted.
"Yeah, since Atlanta. Saved the crazy ass from being Walker food when he rode into the city on a horse." Dean laughed muffling it as best he could.
"He really did that?"
"Totally. Right idiot, got himself trapped in a tank for his trouble. I saved him, then he saved me, that's how we work." Dean didn't miss the stress on the words, knowing just what Glenn was pointing out without having to say. The two carried on, filling in the silence with stupid small talk, taking out any Walkers that stumbled upon them. As they moved into another aisle Dean stopped, bending to pull out the thing that caught his eye.
"Well, I'll be damned."
"Oi Dean," the hunter twisted round, stashing his find in the rucksack. A hand fell on his shoulder and pulled Dean into one of the shelves, pressing him against it.
"What?"
"Shh," Glenn said harshly, nodding further down. Dean looked, there was a few Walkers standing together near an open area, some shuffled down other aisles, but most were bunched in a tight group. Dean glanced up and saw the word chemist above what was probably once a reception desk.
"Shit," Dean whispered.
"No kidding," Glenn added, glancing round, checking for further Walkers.
"We have to clear them," Dean said.
"How?" Glenn gritted his teeth in frustration. Dean could feel the man's annoyance, he also wracked his brains to come up with a plan, but only one came to mind.
"We need bait," Dean finally voiced, giving Glenn a significant look. The man locked gazes with him, Dean not having to say anymore to get his point across, even though all it gained was a scowl.
"No."
"Can you think of any other way?"
"We could get Tara and Scott, attack as a group."
"We'd have to find them first, and we don't know if there's anymore of those clusters around," Dean pointed out. Glenn frowned all the more, but Dean could see the guy was coming round, there really was no other choice. They needed those medicines.
"Fine, I'll lead them ..."
"Nah, I'll do that."
"No way," Glenn said adamantly. "It's to dangerous."
"I think I can take out a few Walkers."
"That's not a few," Glenn pointed out.
"I'll be fine, besides, you know what medicines we need more than I do."
"I can't just let you ..."
"Get out of sight," Dean pushed Glenn back and quickly stepped towards the Walkers before the man could pull him back. "Hey!" he shouted, immediately gaining their attention. A few let out a snarl and started to come towards him. "Yeah that's right, come on." Dean stabbed the first one to come on him forcing himself to move back slowly so the Walkers wouldn't lose sight of him. "Oi, oi, come on, this way!" Dean kept backing up, taking care to check behind him in case his voice drew more Walkers. Quickly he lost sight of Glenn, the Walkers following as he got further and further away. Another check behind and Dean spotted a heavy door. Smirking the hunter lunged forward, grabbing the closest Walker, stabbing it in the head. Ducking back from the other reaching hands Dean kicked the heavy door open and pulled the walker corpse over the top of him. Watching, Dean held his breath as the remaining Walkers stumbled passed him, making their slow way through the door. When Dean was sure the last one had passed he threw the corpse from him, grabbed the door and slammed it shut.
"Score," Dean muttered as he spied the bolt lock, jamming into place as bangs came from the other side of the door. Feeling rather pleased with himself Dean took a moment to stroke his own ego. He hefted his rucksack higher on his back. It's been a good day, he thought, only for it to be instantly shattered by the scream that echoed from within the store. Dean jerked to attention, head swivelling to follow the sound. "Tara," he said, his legs moved forward of their own accord and soon Dean was speeding through the store. The sound of growls and groans got louder, and along with them came the grunts and yells of people fighting for their lives. That was the scene Dean came upon, Tara and Scott, pinned up near one of the shelves, Tara practically climbing them to get away from the Walker horde that had come on them. Dean didn't think, he just reacted, jumping forward to brain the first Walker that came across his knife. "Hey! Over here!" his call was swallowed up by the noise of the dead, but it was enough to grab their attention. Turning their hungry eyes on him, it wasn't long before Dean was fighting for his life. He ducked and weaved, striking Walker after Walker, blood splattered on his face, chest and hands, making his grip slip occasionally, but he managed to keep the knife in his hand.
"Oi, Dean!" the hunter looked around wildly to see Tara, the young woman was carving her way through the Walkers, Scott at her back, having taken advantage of Dean's charge. She reached down grabbing hold of a thick metal pole, spinning she cracked it into the side of the nearest Walker's head, caving in the skull. With a feral grin spreading over his face, Dean reached up to pull free his bludgeon, copying Tara's move, he swung and bashed the head in of the next Walker to come close to him, spraying brains, blood and bone as it crashed straight through. In his excitement Dean didn't notice the Walker come up close behind until hands grabbed him. Dean grunted, unable to bring his own weapons to bear, he struggled, looking in horror as the Walker's mouth reached close to the exposed skin near his neck. Suddenly the Walker was pulled back and Tara was stabbing the thing, making sure to finish the job with a boot to the skull. Dean breathed out in relief and grinned at her.
"Thanks."
"No problem. Lets just get out of here." And they did, fighting back to back as the three cleared the Walkers from their path. Finally Scott finished the last one and the three stood in silence. Dean looked at Tara, who was bent over, pole discarded covered in blood on the floor, hands on her knees to catch her breath. A laugh bubbled up the hunter's throat and he barked it for all to hear. Tara looked at him for a moment, then her lips twitched and she to started to chuckle.
"Well, that was quiet the shit storm," Dean said through his mirth.
"Shit storm? More like a blood bath," Tara shook her head as the last of her amusement left her, grimacing as she looked down at her blood soaked clothes. "I look like Carrie."
"Think of it as a fashion statement," Dean said and Tara snorted.
"Oh yeah, gore couture, the next best thing since Michael Kors," the two laughed again.
"We should get out of here," Scott said and the two agreed. Retreating they went to the back exit to be greeted by a worried looking Glenn.
"What the hell happened?" he directed the angry question to Dean, striding forward to even grip the man's shirt. "What did you do?" Dean scowled and pushed Glenn away from him.
"I didn't do shit!" the hunter exclaimed, stashing away his bludgeon so he wouldn't be tempted to brain the man in annoyance. Though the demon killing knife remained in his hand.
"You were supposed to lead the Walkers away not straight to the rest of the group!"
"I didn't!"
"Guys! Guys calm down!" Tara was suddenly in the middle of the two, thrusting them further apart from each other. "Something did happen, and no it wasn't Dean's fault," she added to Glenn who looked as though he was going to speak again. "We didn't see the Walkers before they came on us. Took us by surprise as we were looking around. If Dean hadn't have come..." She trailed off and Dean winced. They all knew what would have happened. Glenn shifted, eyes moving to Dean.
"Hey, I'm sorry, but you got to ..."
"Yeah I get it," Dean waved a hand, masking his hurt and annoyance with a grin. "Stranger, danger right? So only normal you think I fucked up."
"What happened to our Walkers?" Glenn asked.
"Got 'em into a store room or something," Dean shrugged. "Locked the door after 'em." Glenn nodded and hefted his bag high on his shoulder.
"I got what I could, it was a good haul, should keep the wolves at bay for a while longer."
"And before we almost became Walker chow, we managed a few cans," Tara said with smile. "A good days work, Yeah?" Scott nodded, Glenn hesitated but did the same, finally Dean grinned.
"Yeah, should put it on my CV, can lead Walkers away while not pissing myself." Tara laughed and even Glenn huffed in amusement. As the tired group made their way back to the car Glenn dropped back to speak to Dean.
"Hey, I am sorry you know."
"And I said it was fine," Dean answered but Glenn's disbelieving look didn't disappear. "Ok maybe I'm a little pissed."
"Yeah I know, I acted like a jerk, I get that. But it's just ..."
"I get it Glenn," Dean cut through him. "You don't know me that well, only natural you thought I messed up, I would have thought the same of you. Does it piss me off you think that? Yeah. But do I understand why? Sure I do." Dean nudged the man in the shoulder and grinned. "Just forget about it." Glenn stared at him for a moment, his face unreadable, then he smiled.
"You're a weird guy, Dean."
"I'll take it as a compliment."
"Oh you should, but bear in mind, it'll be me, not Maggie that castrates you if your brat goes near my wife's underwear again." Dean gulped, the fear he felt from the Asian man not dissipating as Glenn laughed.
"Did I not mention that I kind of just picked him up on the road?" Glenn just shook his head, punching Dean on the shoulder and walking to the car, where Tara and Scott were waiting. The ride back to Alexandria was much more relaxed, filled with chatter and just general nonsense. Dean was surprised by how much he enjoyed it, so used to car rides with just him and Sam, or him and Kid. With his brother he usually spent more time in silence than talking, especially in the last few months. With Kid the boy chattered so much that Dean hardly got a word in edge wise, so it was nice to be in a car filled with more than just one voice. Finally the walls of Alexandria came into view, Glenn signalled to the gate and it was opened immediately. As Dean got out of the car he watched as a group swamped them. A couple of Alexandrians, Maggie who greeted Glenn with a kiss. Carol and Morgan hung around with Tara and Scott. Dean wasn't surprised when someone crashed into him, almost knocking him over. "Gods sake Kid," Dean muttered, but the boy just grinned at him.
"You're back."
"Course I am," Dean huffed. "Think I was just going to let a little scavenging kill me?"
"It would have been a bit pathetic if you had, but then again ..." Dean growled, playfully swiping at the boy, who laughed at him, darting out of reach.
"So, how'd it go?" Dean turned to see Eric, who had probably been following Kid, before the boy left him behind.
"Ah, could have been better," Dean shrugged and Eric poked him in the arm.
"Admit it, you enjoyed it," he said with a smirk. Dean swatted his hand away and crossed his arms.
"Oh Yeah, leading Walkers away for a few cans is what I find enjoyable."
"Well, we all have strange tastes."
"Walkers? There were Walkers?" Kid asked, trying to cover up his eagerness to know what had happened with a pout. Dean took advantage of his distraction, grabbing the boy to place him in a head lock. "Get off Dean!"
"No way. Aaron back?" Dean directed the last part to Eric, who nodded.
"He's at home, I managed to convince him to take a nap."
"What an evil boyfriend you are." Eric laughed, Dean with him until he suddenly remembered.
"Oh right, I got something for you," Dean let go of the struggling Kid, who growled at him. Unhooking his rucksack, Dean placed it on the floor, after a bit of rummaging he pulled out a battered box which he thrust to Eric with a triumphant air.
"What's that?" Kid asked.
"A pasta maker," Eric said dumbfounded. "You actually found one?"
"You can thank me, preferably with beer," Dean said with a grin as he stood back up. Eric fingered the box for a moment then laughed.
"I can't believe you found one. I've been sending Aaron out for ... god I don't know how long, but you're the one who finds it." He shoots Dean a mock appreciative look. "Should I tell him to be worried?"
Dean chuckled and the two shared the moment, Kid looking confused between them. It was only broken by the sound of another car signalling entrance. Eric, Dean and Kid quickly moved aside with the others, Scott driving the car out of the way as a truck came through the gate.
"Rick," Glenn called, an arm wrapped around Maggie. The leader of Alexandria pulled the truck further in. As the gates were closed, he jumped from the front seat, rounded the truck to open the back up. Eric, along with Dean dragging a curious Kid, followed, along with the crowd, they watched as Daryl stepped from the depths of the truck, dragging a stranger with his hands tied and knocked out cold. "What the hell?" Glenn muttered.
"Rick?" Maggie asked, glancing at the stranger for an explanation. Rick shook his head and helped Daryl pull the man from the truck.
"He needs the infirmary now. I'll call a meeting," the two carted the guy off, gaining numerous looks from other Alexandrian's. Eric sighed as they watched them go.
"Well this should be interesting."
"What'd you think happened?" Dean asked and Eric shrugged.
"Rick will tell us later," Glenn said as he and Maggie came up beside them. Kid cringed as the woman stared at him, using Dean as a shield as though that would help if Maggie decided she wasn't going to forget his prank. "He'll call a meeting later," Glenn finished with a smile at Dean. "I'll come get you when I have word." The hunter said nothing, taken off guard by the words.
"That's great," Eric said on his behalf. "I'll tell Aaron." Glenn nodded and guided Maggie away, who made sure to send a glare Kid's way before leaving. "Seems like you're making new friends," Eric nudged him playfully.
"Yeah, seems like. Though in Kid's case it might be enemies," Dean grinned at the boy.
"I didn't know she ..."
"We don't need to know about it," Eric interrupted, which only made Dean laugh. They followed Eric as the man carried on about the pasta maker, explaining what the hell it was to Kid and how he would be finally rid of his neighbours complaining. But Dean's thoughts were elsewhere. That felt nice, he thought, to be included, have people waiting for him. Maybe they could stay? He mentally shook his head, banishing the thought before he could dwell on it anymore than he already was. Don't be stupid, he scolded himself, you have a mission, who knows if you have to move on to find the answers you need. Don't you want to get back to Sammy? That was a sobering thought and instantly brought Dean's mind back into focus. He began organising his thoughts, finally managing to think of the next course of action he could take. First thing tomorrow he would start looking more closely at the Walkers. It was a surprising thought that Dean kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner. Sure he'd killed a few now, but he hadn't really studied them. As he stepped into Aaron and Eric's house, ears finally taking in Kid's laughter as Eric called for his boyfriend Dean felt purpose flow back through him. He was going to find out what made the Walkers tick.
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