The Other Campers
Catalina's POV:
The ride was nice so far. Merle navigates us to where the campsite is currently located. We knew that he was usually a quiet and reserved type of person, so we were surprised at how easily our conversation was flowing. Ash decided to continue our conversation but made it shorter and less complicated to understand. We still have a hard time with the ins and outs of our world and we lived in over a thousand bloody years. I could tell he was intrigued with our world and our magic and pretty much us in general. Especially after we explained our titles as mistress of death and master of life.
As Ash drove down a dark and quiet road, he paused our conversation as a truck came towards us.
"Isn't that the truck they left in Cat?" Ash asked with a frown. Merle let out a grunt that confirmed it. Asher stopped our RV and we noticed they were doing the same. Officer friendly, as Merle called the man who handcuffed him, stepped out first and then followed by two men, who we now know as T-Dog, who dropped the key, and Glenn, the Asian man we saw.
"Merle, darling, try not to do anything stupid okay?" I said as he looked at me for a few minutes before nodding his head with a slight groan. He hopped out first and helped me and Ash down the steps of the RV.
"Well, look who it is. Officer-friendly" Merle called out with a smirk and opened his arms out wide. Asher and I followed and chuckled at his antics, making him look at us with a softer smile. He turned back to the group. I noticed another man appear from the back of the truck. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and dark brown hair with muscular arms that were carrying a crossbow.
"Merle!" The man shouted in slight shock. He approached Merle, who had a wide goofy smile on his face. They embraced tightly and Ash and I could feel the relief coming off the two. We stood there feeling as if we were in the middle of their heartfelt moment so we turned our attention back to the group. Who was looking a little put out by Merle's return and the love he has for his brother. That was until they noticed us standing behind him.
"Who are you two?" Officer-friendly questions with distrust lingering in his voice. Gaining everyone's attention. The man, who we can only assume is Daryl, Merle's brother, had immediately aimed his crossbow at us. Causing both Asher and I to raise an eyebrow in unison.
"Stop! They ain't any problem. They saved me from the rooftop that these assholes decided to leave me on." Merle spoke to his brother, who was looking between us and his brother for a few minutes before lowering his crossbow. Ash and I couldn't take our eyes off him as he was the most handsome man we had ever seen. His whole scruffy attire just draws us to him.
"Darylina, I want ye to meet my two new best friends, Catalina and her husband Asher. Cat, Ash meet my little brother Darylina." I walked forward first with a smile, holding out my hand.
"Hello, we heard so much about you." His eyebrows shot up, because of my accent. He hesitantly shook our hands with a small polite nod. I figured he wasn't much of a talker. I turned to Merle who was watching the interactions with adoration.
"Do you have the cigarettes on you Merle?" Ash asked. Merle immediately took them out of his pockets and he handed one to Daryl, Ash, and myself before taking one for himself.
"Do any of you smoke also?" I asked the group who was just standing there a little awkwardly. T-Dog nodded his head and I gave one to him, accepting a small smile and a thanks from him.
"I'm Rick Grimes, this is Glenn and T-Dog" Rick introduced as he took a step forward to us, and much to everyone's shock Merle stepped in front of me as Ash went and stood next to him. Like he's protecting me from any danger, knowing I can protect ourselves. Rick looked between the brothers and back at us with a confused frown before looking back at the others who were also exchanging confused looks. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder, causing him to tense up a little before relaxing. He turned to look at me.
"Why don't you go and grab some water for the group darling? I'm sure they are all thirsty." I said softly. He seemed to be hesitating at the thought of leaving us alone, but he knew we could take care of ourselves. He looked at his brother for a minute before walking to our RV.
"Hello, I'm Catalina LeFay, you can call me Cat. This is my husband, Asher LeFay, you can call him Ash." I greeted the group, holding out our hands. Which was shaken by all three men.
"Are you two coming back to the camp with us?" Glenn asked, looking a bit hopeful. I looked at him and smiled at him. Ash was smiling at him also. Glenn looked so innocent and young. I hope he'll survive this world. Ash went to reply but Merle beat her to it, who was walking back to us with water in his hands.
"Yes, they are."
"Don't we get a say in this, Merle?" Ash asked in amusement. We watched as a grin formed on his face. He wrapped his arms around our shoulders.
"Well, ya two are my new best friends. I'm not going anywhere without ya or my little brother," he replies. I looked over his shoulder to Daryl, who was watching with hidden amusement, with my puppy dog eyes. He stuck his hands up as if he was surrendering with a grin on his face. I mouthed 'traitor' to him, which made him chuckle before going back to his emotionless face. It makes me wonder how good of a master occlumency he could be. I looked at my husband, and we had a silent conversation. He gave me a slight nod which I returned.
"Alright. We'll come" I said with a smile. I started walking back to our RV with Ash when I got to the steps, I noticed Merle and Daryl weren't following. I turned to look at them and they were looking between the two vehicles with small frowns.
"What are you two waiting for? Move your handsome arse and get in here" I called out. Making the brothers chuckle as they jogged to us.
"What the actual fuck" is all we heard once Daryl got inside the RV and looked around. Causing Merle to laugh a little as he sat down in one of the armchairs.
"Merle, why don't you explain to your brother? Cat, you're driving. I'm going to grab your bow, gun, and knives, while I'm grabbing my guns and knives. Do you have your Snake bracelet on?" Ash said while walking to our room. While Daryl took a seat in front of Merle.
"Yes. Also, make sure you get my curved daggers!" I yelled back at him. Heard an almost not noticeable 'right' back.
"Long story short, Cat and Ash are immortal magical beings and are the mistress of death and master of life." I groaned at Merle's blunt response and heard Ash laugh from the back.
"Merle! Are you trying to give him a heart attack with that statement? And if you do that, who will Ash and I be able to admire!" I replied as I looked in the rearview mirror. I smiled when I saw the dark red blush on Daryl's face as he glared at his brother, who was amused by my statement. Merle tried to explain the best he could to his brother, while Ash and I filled in any gaps that he missed.
"Daryl, you can go and make yourself something to eat," Ash told him from the back. He looked a bit hesitant but after confirmation from me and a nod from Merle, he got up and went into the kitchen. He looked in the fridge and the cupboards.
"Where did ye two get this stuff?" He asked as he pulled out the stuff to make a sandwich with.
"It's a magical RV. This means any food and drinks that are currently in here never run out and have a preservation charm on them. So it can stay fresh." I replied. Missing the shocked and amused look on his face. He returned to his seat, getting a small thanks from him.
"We ain't too far from the camp," Merle said as he approached. He looked at the truck in front of us through the window. I can tell he wasn't all that happy about returning. Though he knew that Ash and I were put in this dimension to help people. Along with taking all of our pent-up anger out and getting the thrill of an adventure.
"So why can't we just go to your manors? Ya both said it's the safest place on earth." he groaned as he sat down in the passenger seat. Earning a smile from me.
"We promise Merle, we will but not until we have to. Plus if your group comes with us, they have to know about us and are comfortable with our magic. Our manors are the definition of a magical home." I told him softly and tried to be reassuring as much as possible. After a few minutes of silence, he grunted as accepting my answer and would follow our lead. I looked through the rearview mirror, meeting Daryl's blue eyes, who had been listening to our conversation with both confusion and fascination. He had sent me a small smile before returning his attention to Asher who came back from our rooms. Causing me to smile and look back at the road. That's when I realized the truck in front of us was pulling over.
"Home sweet home" Merle had grunted. However, it was short-lived once we heard screams and gunfire. We immediately left the RV and I gasped at the scene in front of us. Ash handed me my weapons before we ran into the action. I shot a walker in the head before it took a bite out of a blonde girl. Soon she began getting surrounded and I jumped in front of her, killing walkers in sight.
"Are you okay sweetie? Are you bitten or scratched anywhere?" I asked frantically and I helped her off the ground. She shook her head no. She looked around scared, looking for someone.
"Do you know how to use a gun?" She again shook her head, causing me to curse under my breath. I looked around, noticing the Dixons were back to back shooting down the walkers that were coming close to them. I saw Ash in front of a family after killing walkers and getting close to them.
"Okay. Come with me, sweetie." I grabbed her hand and pulled her to our RV while killing any walkers coming at us.
"Go up there" I pushed her gently to the ladder and she complied with no hesitation.
"Stay there till I come back. Okay?"
"Okay," She called out, scared. Causing me to smile a little before running back into the mess. Stabbing and slicing any walkers that came too close to me, leaving a pile at my feet. It wasn't long until all the fighting stopped. Leaving the sobs of women and children being heard.
"Catalina!" I heard Ash yell.
"Asher!" I yelled back. He rushed to me quickly, bringing me close to him and holding me tightly as he let out a breath of relief.
"You scared me, baby. One minute I see you with a blonde girl, the next minute I can't see you. I know we can't get infected but shit, I was still scared I lost you somehow." Ash muttered as he tightened the hug.
"I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to scare you." I muttered back into his neck. I pulled back and kissed his lips.
"Ash, Cat are ya two alright?" Merle asked frantically, as he spun me around checking for bites and scratches. He did the same to Ash.
"Merle, we are perfectly fine," Ash told him with a smile.
"What about you? Are you okay? What about Daryl? His beautiful self is not allowed to die." I looked around for Daryl after checking Merle over. Merle and Ash laughed at me in amusement before Merle pulled me into a hug.
"He's standing behind you, Cat." He whispered in my ear before pulling away. I turned around and came face to face with Daryl. Who looked at me with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh thank fuck. Darling, you aren't allowed to die. That would have been a waste of the perfection that you are." I said as I inspected him for any scratches and bites. Completely missing the blush that was on his face and the smile he was trying not to show.
"I'm alright ya crazy witch. I promise" he muttered in embarrassment and amusement. Making me pause what I was doing and noticing everyone was looking at us. They all had different expressions on their faces. I cleared my throat slightly, stepped away from Daryl, and smiled sheepishly at them.
"I'm sorry," I said as he scoffed playfully and rolled his eyes in fondness, trying not to smile as he walked away.
"Where did you two learn to fight like that?" My husband and I looked over to who spoke and saw it was a raven-haired man with a beard approaching us with Rick. Who was being followed by a brunette woman and a young boy?
"We trained for years. Fighting became a habit" Ash told him with a shrug, getting a chuckle from Rick. The other two looked at us suspiciously and the little boy was looking at us in adoration.
"This is my wife, Lori, my son Carl and this is Shane." Rick introduced. Causing us to smile at them with a polite nod.
"It's nice to meet you all" I replied
"Where are you two from?" Carl asked us while stepping closer to us and avoiding his mother who was trying to hold him back. We kneeled in front of him and we smiled at him.
"We're from London, England," I replied. I giggle softly as we watch his eyes light us in excitement. Ash looked at Rick with a confused look, who chuckled at us.
"He loves learning British history," Rick said. Making Ash look back at Carl and frown when we see the sad expression on his face.
"Well Carl, we're here now and we can tell you all about Britain," Ash said in hopes of cheering Carl up. Which seemed to work because the next thing we knew, we were being knocked over with Carl in our arms. Causing us to laugh while he thanked us.
"Carl!" Lori scolded, trying to step closer to pull him away but was intercepted by Rick who was laughing at his son. Rick helped me up once Carl got up, while Merle helped Ash up.
"Aw, now you're all bloody," I said as I looked at Carl's outfit, which was now red with blood that was on Ash and me.
"Oh, that's alright. It can be cleaned." Rick waved it off. Sending me a smile.
"Am I allowed to come down now?" We heard a voice from the top of my RV. I let out a gasp and Ash laughed at me as we ran over. We were followed by the others.
"Oh sweetie, yes come down. I am so sorry." I told the blonde girl. She climbed down shakily. She jumped off the last step while Ash helped her stay stable.
"Thank you so much for saving me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you" She cried as she practically launched herself into mine and Ash's arms. Causing us to stumble a little bit. I whispered soothing words to the girl while Ash ran his fingers through her hair. Which called her down quickly.
"I'm Asher, I also go by Ash. This is my lovely wife, Catalina, she goes by Cat." Astrid introduced us to the group. Everyone had introduced themselves. There were a handful of people we knew we would get along with. Like Amy, Glenn, Rick, Carol, Shane, and of course the Dixon brothers and the two children, Sofia and Carl. However, Lori and Andrea seemed too bitchy and rude for our taste, although they kept looking at us with jealousy.
Asher's POV:
Not one person had gotten any sleep last night as we were busy piling up the dead bodies. Burning the walkers and burying those who lost their lives. There were a good amount of times when Cat and I just wanted to use our magic instead of dragging the bodies but we knew we couldn't. Not yet at least.
Cat and I wiped the sweat from our foreheads as we sat another body onto the pile of bodies Glenn pointed to. We can see that he is taking the death of his fellow campers hard.
"What are you guys doing? This is for the geeks. Our people go over there" Glenn shouted at Morales and Daryl, as they placed a body on the pile that was made for walkers.
"What difference is that going to make? They're all infected" Daryle responded flatly, making Cat sigh. That comment there pushed Glenn to the edge.
"Our people go in that row over there. We don't burn our people! We bury them. Our people go in that row over there" Glenn snapped as tears started to appear in his eyes. Daryl looked over at us and with a slight nod from me and a smile from Cat, he let out a sigh and then carried the body over to the row of their people.
"You reap what you sow"
"You know what? Shut up man" Morales sighed, tired of the arguments.
"Y'all left my brother for dead. You all had this coming. If it wasn't for them, he would be gone!" Daryl shouted angrily, pointing at my wife and I. Merle approached, after hearing his brother shouting. Knowing that Daryl won't forgive them anytime soon, not that I can blame him. I would have burnt one into the group too if they left my wife handcuffed to a roof. I'm sure Catalina would have done the same if it was me.
"Hey Daryl" Cat said as she approached cautiously toward him. He turned to her with a cold look.
"Why won't we take a cigarette break?" I said as he tensed up for a moment before nodding and we walked back to our RV while Merle and Cat followed us.
"Hey! You four can't just wander off!" Lori shouted at us from her position, causing us to turn to look at her.
"There isn't a need to shout. I mean, everyone can hear you already." Catalina replied lightly before walking off again with the Dixon brothers and myself following her. I looked at my wife with a proud and love-filled look, while Merle and Daryl exchanged smirks of amusement. The two brothers took their usual seats once we got inside the RV. Catalina and I went and grabbed four mundane beers and popped the caps off.
"Here you go darlings. You both deserve it." Catalina said while handing them their beers. They both let out appreciative grunts as they took big gulps from the ice-cold beverage.
"You both are angels. I swear." Merle said and he leaned back into the chair. Making us chuckle. I sat on the couch in front of the boys, while Cat sat on the arm of Daryl's chair.
"So, is Lori always acting like that?" I asked with a slight frown, as I drank some of my beer, catching their attention.
"Yep," Daryl stated flatly while lighting his cigarette.
"She thinks she's the queen of the camp since she was fuckin Shane before Rick showed up," Merle said. I sat there in shock before looking at Cat for a moment and we both burst out laughing. Getting confused looks from the brothers.
"What's wrong with ye two?" Daryl asks as he nudges Cat, which snaps her out of her laughing fit.
"It makes perfect sense now. They have been eye-fucking each other when they see each other in a distance." I said, trying to hold back my laughter.
"We caught them a few times since we've been here. Does Rick even know?" Cat asked. They both shrug.
"A walker got him! A walker got Jim!" Jacqui shouted, making Cat exchange looks between me and the Dixon brothers before jumping out of the RV. We jogged to the others, who were surrounding Jim in worry.
"I'm okay. I'm okay" Jim said.
"Show it to us. Show it to us" Daryl demanded while aiming his crossbow at him, causing Jim to freak out trying to find a way to escape.
"Easy, Jim" I heard Shane say.
"Someone just grab him" Jim instantly grabbed a shovel and started swinging it around. Causing all the women, except Catalina, to step back.
"Jim put it down. Put it down" Shane said softly. Trying to calm the irritated man down. T-Dog approached Jim from behind, yanked the shovel and tossed it to the side before grabbing a hold of his arms.
"I'm okay. I'm okay" Is all Jim repeated, trying to get out of T-Dog's grip. I watched closely as Cat approached the man and slowly lifted his shirt. Revealing a deep bite mark causing almost everyone to wince or cry, while repeating that he was okay.
Later, we were all discussing the next course of action involving Jim. He is currently sitting against Dale's RV with sweat mixed with dirt and blood dripping off his face.
"I say we just put a pickaxe in his head and be done with it" Daryl commented. Causing everyone but Merle, Cat, and myself, to look at him in disbelief.
"Is that what you'd want if it were you?" Shane asked, slightly annoyed.
"Yeah, and I'd thank you while you did it" His comment made Cat and I frown. We glanced at each other. We didn't want to think about losing him or Merle. They were the first people in so many different lifetimes we connected with instantly. I know for a fact we'll do everything we can so we won't lose them any time soon.
"I hate to say it… I never thought I would but maybe Daryl is right" Dale said hesitantly. Making the Dixon brothers scoff under their breath. It's clear to us that the group never paid much attention to their suggestions. Only use them for food or protection.
"Jim's not a monster, Dale. Or some rabid dog"
"Rick, you already know what happens when someone gets bitten or scratched. Why are you trying to prolong his suffering?-" I started but was interrupted by Rick. He was pacing back and forth, clearly stressed out about the situation.
"He's sick. A sick man. We start down that road, where do we even draw a line?"
"The line's pretty much clear. Zero tolerance for walkers, or them to be" We can see that some of them agree with Daryl. They are too afraid to speak up. Making my wife shake her head.
"I agree with Daryl. Jim will turn and the first thing he will do is try to eat us. I'm not sure about you guys, but my wife and I would rather not deal with a walking corpse that will eat you" Cat stated. While the others were either agreeing or annoyed by her comment. Lori and Andrea glared at Cat, and she glared back. Instantly pulled her gently next to me, away from the two women.
"What if we get him help? I heard the C.D.C. were trying to work on a cure" Rick suggested, making me scoff. I decided to leave the conversation before I did something stupid, getting aggravated with their stupidity. Catalina stayed with them for the Dixon brothers. I could feel a headache coming and my wife's anger radiating in waves.
"Hey hey hey!" My head shot up and saw an angry Daryl headed to Jim with a pickaxe, trying to take a swing. He was stopped abruptly by Rick who was pointing a gun to his head. Merle was cursing and shouting while being held back. Without a second thought, I ran to them and saw Cat with her gun pointed at Rick's head, making him tense up.
"Lower your gun, Rick," Catalina warned in a cold voice. She pressed it further onto his head.
"We don't kill the living," Rick said while trying to justify his current actions.
"That's funny coming from a man who just put a gun to my head." Daryl angrily said.
I saw Shane walking toward my Cat trying to grab her.
"Don't even think about touching her," I said coldly, standing in front of Shane blocking his path. Shane backs up with his hands up.
"We may disagree on things. But this isn't one of them. Put your weapons down." Shane spoke to the three of them. Daryl lowered the pickaxe and stormed off. Leaving Catalina with her gun to Rick's head.
"Catalina" Shane warns. Making both of us growl quietly. She lowered her gun and put it back in her holster.
"Rick, you know that we're right. The sooner you accept that you have to do things that aren't in your nature. The longer you'll survive in this world." I spoke quietly to him before walking away and grabbing Cat's hand. We went and continued removing the bodies. Cat and I are staring at Daryl while he is swinging the pickaxe into the skulls of the bodies lying around. Amy came over and nudged us. Amy looked at us with an amused smile and a raised eyebrow.
"We never thought that he'd get any more sexy, and yet there he is. Looking sexy while bashing in skulls." Catalina purred. Making Amy laugh loudly. Cat and I covered her mouth trying to muffle her laughs.
Daryl looked over at us and saw Cat sending him a teasing wink. Making him shake his head a little bit before returning to what he was doing.
"I have never once seen Daryl get so flustered before" Amy whispered to us. Causing my wife to smirk. I grabbed our pickaxe that was in our bottomless bags before leaving to help dispose of the walkers.
"Thanks" Our heads snapped up and we saw Daryl standing in front of us.
"For what?" I asked in confusion. He was quiet for a few minutes before shrugging and walking away. Made me shake my head in fondness, while Cat smiled.
"I'll do it. He's my husband." Carol said as she was approaching Daryl, who was getting ready to dispose of Ed. Daryl passed the pickaxe to her and stepped back as she began to swing the ax into her husband's head repeatedly. All the anger against her husband was let loose.
"Hey, it's okay" I whispered as she dropped the pickaxe. I pulled her into my arms and she sobbed into my shirt. Daryl started to pile the bodies onto the truck to take them to the graves that Jim had dug the day before.
"Hey Cat, come here" I called out. She walked toward Carol and me, stopping in front of me.
"I'm going to take Carol to our RV so she can get hydrated and get some food in her," I told her. She nods her head with a sad smile.
"Go ahead and tell her once you're in the RV. She's bound to have questions." Cat whispered to me and kissed my cheek. I nodded my head.
"Let's get you something to eat," I told Carol. She nodded. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and we started walking to the RV. I already knew she was going to be more shocked about our RV when she saw the inside but she needed comfort and the RV was the only place I could think of.
"Carol, I have to warn you about something" She stopped and turned to look at me confused. Once she saw that I was nervous, her features softened.
"What is it, sweetie?"
"Cat and I are going to need you to have an open mind about this. We understand that you are a religious woman-"
"How can I believe in something when this is our world now, Asher? Now I'm sure you and your wife have your reasons to hide whatever it is." I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding in. I nodded at her before waving my hand to unlock the RV door. I looked at Cat, who was watching us, and she nodded, reminding me it was okay to tell Carol. I nodded back. I let her enter first, and when she did she gasped. She puts her hands in front of her mouth and her eyes widen in awe as she looks over the large interior.
"H-How is this possible?" She whispers as she turns to look at me. I gently guide her to one of the seats before sitting in front of her.
"I promise I'll tell you everything and Cat knows also as she was the one who suggested that I tell you. Cat and I are vixens commonly known as witches and wizards and this is a magical RV. We were put in this dimension to help save people. Your group is the first one we came across. If it wasn't for the fact that they left Merle on the rooftop, we might not be here. Anyways, from the looks of it, you all need help surviving this world." I told her as she looked at me with wide eyes, making me nervous. I jumped a little when I felt her hands on mine. I looked up and saw she was smiling at me with such caring eyes, that I hadn't seen since Remus was alive. Man, I missed Remus and Sirius.
"I appreciate you telling me. I have to ask, why me though?" I thought for a minute before responding. So I started explaining my and Cat's life but in a shorter and simpler version. I heard gasps and saw tears in her eyes as she listened to everything I said with full focus.
"We know what you went through with your husband because Cat and I had gone through the same experience. Carol, you are a strong woman and now you can focus on Sofia without the fear of him. We decided to tell you because you are a protective woman who cares deeply. We've been observing everyone in the camp, and we are good at knowing things about a person based on how they act and body language. We know you'll do anything to protect your daughter, and we want to help. We will be there every step of the way. You are not alone Carol." I stated. I was pulled into a strong hug and she started to sob again into my shoulder. Thanking me repeatedly.
"Are you two going to tell the others?" She asked once she pulled away. Wiping her tears.
"The Dixons already know. I'm sure we'll tell the others but, when the time is right and we trust them enough." She nodded her head in understanding. She smiles at me and with a wave of my hand, a water bottle and some fruit come drifting in the air softly landing on the table. She looked at me shocked before she started to chuckle, making me chuckle with her. She ate a bit of the fruit and drank some water.
"Come on, I'm sure Sofia is looking for you. Remember you both are welcome here any time."