Dust to Dust

24

Christine and Corey joined them in the cabin after a bit just to talk, and make things a bit brighter. She hadn't had a full conversation with several people like this in a long time. It was nice to let all her feelings out and receive support, while giving it to others, specifically Eren, in return. They had discussed possibly going after Jasper, but it had been long enough, and he was probably long gone. If they didn't find him, they could get lost and wouldn't be able to find their way back. Letting him go was the only option, as painful as it was.

While they were at it, Jenny told them about her suspicions with Asher, and why she was still conflicted about Delilah's death. Jasper leaving just didn't feel right, it all happened so fast, but she couldn't exactly pin that one on Asher without sounding ignorant.

"So he just... split his wrists open with no problem at all? Like he wasn't even in pain?" Corey asked, terribly confused. Jenny nodded, knowing how she felt.

"Yeah. I really don't know what was going on but it sounded like a major offering to his god. He caught me though, and I swear he would have killed me if I hadn't left. I ran back, Jasper found me, we came back here, and this morning he was gone." it was so strange how Asher was acting today. He could change his whole personality so quickly. It was like there were two different Asher's in the camp. And she didn't know which one was the real one. 

"I knew he had some mental issues, but this is... something else." Eren looked slightly in shock, leaning on Christine for support.

"I agree. I want to trust him, I really do. It just feels wrong living in the same space as him. He's planning something. I just don't know what. What do you guys think?" Leaving wouldn't be of much use now. She did have others here, and still wanted answers. Leaving knowing nothing would be mentally exhausting. Even if it meant staying, and risking everything.

Christine put her head against the wall behind her. "I agree he's a nutcase. But from what we know, he's not a threat. At least not to us. There's no solid evidence he killed Delilah, and I think that's enough. He probably won't talk about it because he's a fucking weirdo and is making a big deal about it when he actually has nothing to do with it."

Corey nodded. "Yeah... I mean we have every right to trust him, right? He has kept us alive ever since the virus started. I got here back in November, and he's never been like this until now. The only times he started acting up was when..." she stopped. "I... I really don't want to say it." her voice came down to almost whispering.

"I got it, Corey. This isn't against you or anything, Jen, it's all Asher's problem. But he has been different ever since you showed up." Eren admitted, speaking for her. Jenny looked back at Corey for reassurance and she knew Eren was right.

"So... he was pretty much normal before Jasper found me?" it was hard to put together. What was so special about her to change someone's behavior so drastically?

"Yeah. I mean he was still super dedicated to his religion, but mostly kept it to himself and the adherents. But if what you're saying about him is true, then I think... I don't know. I don't want you to think any of this is your fault, it might just be a coincidence."

"That's a pretty damn weird coincidence. But why? What is it about me?" Asher had been strangely friendly to her. And if he used to keep to himself all the time, why was she any different from everyone else? 

"Hell if I know. Maybe he's got a crush on you or something."

Jenny's mouth dropped open. "Be serious please," she whined.

"I am! Seriously, what else could it be?"

That reminded her of something. Apparently due to this god he was speaking with, he knew some bits of personal information. And he just explained it to her like it was no big deal. It couldn't be just for her, right? "Hold on. Does Asher know stuff about you guys? Like stuff he shouldn't know? He told me that he gets information from his god. Like he knew my last name, my age, stuff like that. I assume he did the same for you too?"