Eastern Adventures

Preparing herself for the approaching masses Sophia took a deep breath and held it for a moment. Releasing it she looked to the first and closest Walker and readied her weapon. Watching Ysabell in the corner of her eye just in case her concerns weren't misplaced and she needed to duck away the young redhead let her fingers fall into place on the grip of her knife. Blinking Sophia turned her attention to the approaching dead. The first and closest one seemed to have been an employee, on his shirt was clipped a small pen with the stores logo on it. As he approached Sophia raised her knife, if Ysabell didn't shoot him and he got to close she wouldn't hesitate to land her knife into the creatures head.

As time went on though it seemed that her concerns were all but misplaced and unneeded, Ysabell proved herself to be at least somewhat compentant with her weapon and best of all, hadn't shot at her. Counting the rounds as they flew out Sophia could tell that she was about out of ammo. She had a couple of spares in her waistband but she wouldn't toss them over unless needed. Watching as the last two walkers fell on her end Sophia approached the last one on her end. Standing before it she looked up to it's face. "Come on big boy." She teased. Waiting for it to lunge at her she ducked to the right and under it's arm, too quick for the slow and cumbersom creature to keep up with she got behind it with ease and before the thing knew what hit him her blade founds itself embedded in the creatures head. Pulling it out Sophia wiped the gore on her pants leg and moved to the other as the body of the first fell to the ground. Repeating the process with the final two walkers she then looked to Ysabell with a satisfied half smile on her face, killing the dead always put her in a good mood. 

"Nah. I'm good." She answered the offer of help from the woman. Coming to stand before her again Sophia held out her hand and took her weapon from Ysabell. Pulling the clip out of it she stored the empty one in her waistband and replaced it with a fresh one. Pulling back on the slide to chamber the first round she slid the safety back on and returned it to it's place on her ankle. Motioning for Ysabell to follow her the two began slowly making their way down the hall. As they did she heard her speak about how her fiance had given her the same weapon when she had gotten out of the hospital, huh, a guy that gives you a gun when you get hurt, well, guess that's one way of doing it. Looking towards Ysabell as they moved down the hall Sophia shrugged. "This was just a thing someone gave me." She answered intentionally leaving it vague. Having let way more than she ever wanted to slip out earlier due to her emotions she was self contentious about it now, and while she did feel like she could trust Ysabell, at least a little. The thought of giving out a detailed recount of her past was something that sent shivers down her spine. What if someone decided to punish her? or hold it against her? Those two questions alone were enough to keep her awake at night.

Making their way towards the door leading into the main part of the store Sophia motioned for Ysabell to get down and stay behind her. Waiting for her to do so she then opened the door, each small movement caused it to creak but thankfully it seemed there weren't any Walkers near the door. Stepping through Sophia held the door open for her companion to pass through before assisting it to close softly, the last thing they needed was the door slamming drawing the entire building to them in one misstep. Making sure the door latched behind them the young redhead turned to rejoin her companion. "Alright. Water thing, Bandages, disinfectant and whatever else we can find." She repeated aloud. "What you wanna try and find first?"

Having finished off the group of Walkers in the back rooms Ysabell and Sophia now found themselves in the final stretch before entering into the store proper. Reaching the door Sophia peaked through cautiously; first to the right, then to the left. It was quiet, eerie almost. Taking a few cautious steps out into the first isle Sophia pressed herself against the adjacent shelf and motioned for Ysabell to follow. "Quietly." She whispered. Taking a few moments to listen for any sound of movement Sophia then crossed to the next row. At the end lay a body, it's head blown to kingdom come. 'Only a gun could have done that. Are people around here?' She noted to herself. Approaching the body she looked it over, what remained of his clothes were a dirt,y gore covered mess, nothing of note could be seen.

"Stay quiet." She repeated herself as she heard Ysabel join her again. While the coast was clear for the moment, you never knew when someone could happen by. She learned that lesson the hard way when she met Haley. Taking small breaths to keep herself as quiet as possible Sophia moved with careful steps through the isle. As she reached the end she heard talking coming towards the front door, loud talking at that. Loud talking only meant one thing. Danger. Stiffening up as she heard the people approach and enter the building Sophia pressed herself flat against the shelf and listened. From the sounds of it there were three of them, one was armed with a crossbow while the others remained unknown. More than likely there was at least one firearm among the three. Motioning for Ysabel to stay where she was Sophia brandished her pistol and returned the silencer to it's barrel. Taking a breath she creeped around the corner to the next isle.

Continuing to creep through the isles she soon reached the end of of the line. Carefully she peaked through the small hole in the end of the isle and watched, The three had their backs turned to her and carefully she leaned herself against the shelf and watched, if they turned she'd shoot. Thankfully though it seemed they were just there to play some sort of sick game of killing zombies for sport and after a few more minutes of them bantering among themselves they left. Waiting for their voices to fade the sound of an engine starting met the air. Loud at first it faded over the course of a few minutes and they were in the clear.

Getting to her feet Sophia let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and looked to Ysabel. Nodding to her letting her know they were gone Sophia crossed to where they had been standing, on the ground was a small emblem, a mask with two crossed knives, below it was inscribed the name "Alec". "Alec?" Sophia repeated aloud to herself. "Who the hell's Alec?"

Looking to Ysabel as she approached Sophia held the medallion out for her to take. "One of them dropped that." She said as she held it out. Letting her hand fall after she took it from her Sophia turned her attention to the task at hand. Crossing to the isles again she began studying the guide signs on the walls. "Camping Supplies." She read aloud, noting to herself that what they were looking for would possibly be in there she made her way to the isles. Searched for a moment she soon found what she was looking for, stuffed back in the furthest part of one of the shelves rested a boxed purifier. "Sweet." she cheered quietly to herself.

Making her way back to Ysabel Sophia held the purifier up. "Look what I found." She greeted.

Pulling the purifier back towards her after showing Ysabel that she had found it Sophia shoved it back into the bag she had lifted from one of the dead and looked to Ysabel for her answer on what she thought the medallion stood for, hearing that she didn't know Sophia clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Damn, Well, if the people that dropped it are anything to go on I'm gonna guess they're bad news, We should probably tell Haley to keep a look out for them while we're getting through." Sophia answered, having spent a number of months around people just like the three men that had left mere minutes ago she knew that mixing with them was always a bad idea unless you wanted trouble in one way or another. Zipping the bag up Sophia looked to Ysabel, Noticing the burn mark on her hand she tilted her head.

"What happened?" She asked as she brought her own hand up and pointed to the place the mark rested on Ysabel's. Waiting for an answer for a moment Sophia decided to drop the subject as it didn't seem like the woman was keen on explaining herself. Passing by her with a shrug Sophia looked back and placed a hand on the door leading back towards the hallways and the office area where they had come from. "Looks like we got everything on H's little checklist. Wanna stop for some ice cream on our way out of town?" She asked as she stuck out her tongue; She knew there was no way in hell they'd actually find some but she could see the stress in Ysabel's eyes and wanted to try and cheer her up a bit, Sad people were depressing. Waving her over Sophia placed a hand on her shoulder. "You okay there Bel's?" She asked.

Waiting for her to answer Sophia tilted her head before looking passed the woman towards the entrance of the building where the men had left a few minutes ago. Confirming to herself that they were alone again she looked back to Ysabel. "Wanna eat some candy when we get back? I'm sure Haley'll give you some if you ask, although I'm sure the answer'll be no for me." She chuckled. Turning towards the offices she motioned for her to follow.

Making their way down the hall again Sophia stepped over the now fully dead walkers, glancing behind her every few seconds to make sure Ysabel was still following she'd shoot her a smile every now and again to try and cheer her up. As they reached the back door and crossed out and into the cool Canadian air Sophia felt a shiver run up her spine. "I swear I don't see how they managed to live up here. It's so cold." Sophia joked. Being from Nevada the cold of the Canadian spring was something she found harsh to say the least. Letting Ysabel take the lead Sophia patted her on the back. "So.. By the way, About what I said earlier.."  She started. "Well, I don't really tell people about that stuff.. So, I'd appreciate it if you kept it quiet. Ya know?"

Making their way through the door and back into the Cool Canadian day Sophia brought her hands up to rest on the back of her head. Interlacing her fingers she inhaled deeply. Holding it for a time she released it slowly and smiled. The run in with the three men had caused her anxiety to come back as well as the image of Macus carving the X on her cheek to flash across her mind. Shuttering at the sight Sophia shook the images away before tilting her head in Ysabel's direction. Hearing her answer the question she had asked her a few minutes ago Sophia gave the woman a half smile; She could tell that there was a lot on her mind, but having so many things she didn't like talking openly about herself Sophia completely understood if she didn't give her a straight answer on the matter.

"Missing him huh?" She asked spinning on her heels. Back peddling as they went Sophia tilted her head again. "So there's home sickness.. But there's also guy sickness?" She asked. Never having any feelings for anyone her own age the concept of missing someone you loved was among the things the young redhead had no dealings with. Spinning straight again she thought on it, was there someone she missed like that? Bringing her hand up to rest on her chin she looked to the sky. Maybe Tobi? Or her father? Shrugging to herself she shook her head and looked back to Ysabel. "I guess I sorta understand. There was this guy I met a while back that was probably one of the first people I felt comfortable around after my pops." She explained as they walked. Surprisingly to Sophia they had made amazing time and were already on the edge of town again.

Having made the joke about giving her candy when they returned before it seemed that whatever was on Ysabel's mind had her running slower than she had on the way in, still curious about who or what had her so preoccupied Sophia shrugged, she didn't like talking about her own problems so who was she to try and pry on someone else for theirs?

Making their way to the edge of town the two had just crossed the town welcome sign when she felt a cold nose press against the back of her leg. Shivering from the sudden contact Sophia jumped and looked to her feet, expecting a walker she instinctively began reaching for the knife in her pocket. "What the-" She started to react but quickly she saw what the nose belonged to, it was droopy. Watching as he came to walk next to her Sophia chuckled, why did she chuckle?

Watching the dog for a few seconds more Sophia looked back to Ysabel as she heard her speak. "I've never actually owned a pet to be honest." Sophia answered, "But I'm not adorable. I'm fourteen. And I think I've seen way to much to be called Adorable anyway.. Besides.. This shitty X makes me ugly anyway." Sophia said, anyone could tell that the mark was a major mental strain on the young girl, even if the world had gone to shit and whoever she was meant to be with was probably dead and gone by now. Still, even if he wasn't would that person still like her despite the scar? Not having any dealings with it the young readhead didn't know.

As if sensing her anxiety Sophia felt as Droopy rubbed against her leg again. "What pooch? You want pets or something?"

Reaching down to pet the dog that was trying to rub it's way into her heart Sophia ran her hand along the length of it's body from head to rear a few times before getting upright again, even after finishing petting him he chose to stay close to her which was something Sophia wasn't used to. 'Does he want something?' she asked herself as she watched him walk beside her for a time. Looking back to Ysabel as she explained that guy sickness was something special that happened when you had a bond with someone, a special bond that love brought it would seem. The entire thing was strange to the young redhead. Could you really get so close to someone that you feel sick when you're apart? She didn't know.

Shortly the trio made their way back to the area they had left Haley and the kids, Happy to see that they were still exactly where they left them Sophia let her hardness return to her as they approached, while Ysabel may have managed to catch her off guard and got her to open up to her, Haley hadn't managed the same level of success. Looking to her as they approached Sophia turned as she saw Ysabel fishing the purifier from her pack. Looking back to Haley she saw her smile and wave them over. "See you manged to find one. Good job." Haley greeted as the two came to stand before her. "Red here give you any trouble?"

Looking up to the woman as she heard her ask if she had caused trouble Sophia just shook her head and blew air out of her nose. "I didn't I'll have you know." She retorted. "Now.. Candy me." She said with a faux arrogance to her voice, joking of course and Haley knew this.

"Fine, Fine, I supposed you earned it for all the stuff you two brought back." Haley answered as she swapped the candy for the dufflebag that hung around Sophia's shoulder, inside Haley would find numerous medical supplies that had been left or forgotten due to how deep in the shelves they were. Smiling as she unwrapped the candy Sophia made her way to the car and took up her place in the back seat. Stretching out across the back seat like she couldn't do when they were traveling she began to enjoy her candy.

Outside the car near the hood Haley watched as Sophia rounded the corner and got in the car. Waiting for the car door to shut she looked back to Ysabel. "She didn't cause you any trouble did she?" Haley asked. Ready to apologize if she had she was caught with a bit of surprise when she hard Ysabel say that she hadn't but that they needed to talk, Mentioning that something had happened in the store. Looking over to the two girls to make sure they weren't within earshot Haley returned her gaze to Ysabel. "What happened?"

Turning back to Ysabel after watching Sophia enter the SUV and close the door behind her Haley crossed her arms and leaned against the front of the vehicle. Nodding as she heard Ysabel begin to recount what had happened while they were in town, Listening as her companion spoke of how they had run into a group of men in the building they had scavenged the purifier from and how they hadn't seen them but due to the fact they weren't expecting anyone else to be there they weren't exactly being quiet. Shaking her head as she had figured that someone that prided herself on being stealthy like Sophia did would have stayed quiet when entering a new place. "Well, They didn't see you. That's what matters." Haley responded in a level tone.

Looking passed Ysabel towards the two kids Haley continued to listen to her story, Turning her gaze back to the woman as she brandished a necklace with the name 'Alec' on it Haley reached out and took it from her friend. Examining it for a moment before handing it back to her. "Best keep that out of sight, you know?" She then added, a hint of annoyance in her voice at the fact they may have  to deal with yet another outside threat. Turning towards the treeline Haley heard as Ysabel put forth two options, They could either stay and take turns on watch, or pack up and leave to find another gas station to siphon from. "Where you followed?" Haley asked. Waiting for a response she looked back towards Ysabel. "Did Sophia mention anything about feeling like she's being watched?" Looking into Ysabel's eyes Haley waited before turning towards the SUV and popping the back door open. "Red."

"Whatchu want Blondie. I'm eating my candy." Sophia responded.

"On the way back did you feel like you were being watched at all?"

"What you mean Bondie?" Sophia asked curiously and slightly concerned as she sat up to look in Haley's direction.

"Ysabel told me you two ran into a group of men. Is there any chance they followed you?" Haley then asked, Annoyance tugging at her words.

"No. My Spidey-Senses weren't tingling. Why? You think they mighta followed us out?"

Hearing Sophia's answer Haley let the breath she had been holding out, Over the course of their time together she had come to learn that Sophia had a six sense of sorts when it came to being watched or caught in a trap. Having tried and failed to get the young girl to explain why or how she possessed the particular set of skills she did Haley just nodded. "Okay."

Turning back to Ysabel Haley was stunned at what she saw. Behind her stood a girl, about nineteen or so, blonde and skinny. "Shit.. Guess Sophia's insticts aren't as good as she thought."

Watching from the treeline Hannah kept her gaze forcused on the group of people in the clearing, her crossbow resting against the tree if she needed to defend herself, Luckily for these folks she wasn't there to rob or kill them, No, she came to warn them. As she did everyone passing through the area. Raising her hands in surrender Hannah kept her crossbow concealed behind the tree in case she needed to grab it fast.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Haley said as she quickly brandished the pistol strapped to her thigh.

"Want? I don't want anything." Hannah responded in kind.

Suspicious of the teen that now stood before them Haley motioned for everyone to get back behind the car. "I'll handle this." She said. Approaching the girl with her weapon raised she spoke again. "Okay.. Who are you then?"

"Hannah." The girl responded. "Whats your name?"

Suspicious of the face Haley kept her gun drawn as she talked. "Blondie. As far as you know."

"Come on now..." Hannah responded giving her a face that read. *really..?* "You know, you sorta remind me of that kid with the busted eye from a few months back. Think her name was.. Kelly or something like that?"

Stunned at the fact this girl just uttered her missing sisters name Haley looked back to her group. "How do you know that name?" She asked.

"Well, Few months back I was in a little bind with Alec and she got dragged into it too. Her brother and his girls really know their stuff I'll tell you what. Damn robot arm dude was bad-ass."

Hearing the description there was no doubt in her mind. "What was his name?"

"Lower the weapon and I'll tell ya miss." Hannah responded.

Contimplating it for a moment Haley looked the girl over, she was defensive but not in a stance she could attack from, and her words didn't carry any malice. Carefully Haley lowered her weapon a bit and escorted her out of the woods. As a show of good faith Hannah left her crossbow by the tree and nodded.

"So. How do you know my family...?" Haley asked as she waved to Ysabel to stay put for now.

"Alec. He's a slave trader that kidnaps people around this area and sells them off. He caught me as well as a few others, We thought we were being brought out to be sold, turns out we were rescued. After that we split ways, think they said something about heading East back into the states."

Still weary of the girl before her Haley looked to Ysabel and motioned for her to have the kids get into the car with Sophia and stay there. Waiting for her to join her Haley got up and came to stand next to Ysabel. "She said Alec's a slave trader in the area that kidnaps people. We should probably get out of here ASAP."

Turning back to Hannah Haley saw as the girl looked at her. "I'd get out while you can. His men saw you two walkin away from the town a few hours ago. Bad idea to stay here."

"How do you know all this?" Haley asked suspiciously.

Chuckling Hannah gripped the back of her neck. "Lets just say.. I hate my father and I've seen a lot more than I should have at my age. That's all I'll say." She answered.

Pulling Ysabel to the side Haley got close to her. "I don't know where she came from but she knew my missing sister and brother by name.. Said they passed through here and rescued her from capture. She described him down to the fact he has a red prosthetic arm..."