Never The End (Sequel to 'What Keeps You Alive')

Chapter 6: Fighting For A Life

--------Chapter 6: Fighting For A Life----

Gates was glad they'd run into Matt; that meant he didn't have to be in charge any longer. Matt was always the one that was suited to leading more than he was; it was just his personality that made him a stronger, more reliable leader.

Sure, Gates would step up when he needed to, but he knew Matt would make the better decisions; he certainly looked like he was taking charge of their small group now.

He glanced behind him as they walked the few metres to the side of the road where Matt and Ashley had left their two other party members; it wasn't a long walk, and Gates was glad there were more of them now. That meant they'd be able to get more rest if there were more people to keep watch.

Matt indicated for them to follow as he veered off the road and down into the dark woods on his right. Gates did as asked, the others following along as he did so. Vic looked up and over as he saw someone headed towards them through the trees.

"Just us," Matt said, keeping his voice down. He glanced over at Andy who was still out, leaning against a tree a few metres away. He looked back to Vic. "How's he doing?"

Vic glanced over at Andy as well before looking back to Matt, Ashley by his side and still looking rather worried for Andy's health.

"He's fine; still out," Vic said in response, the dead silent night making his voice echo a bit, even though it was down. "He's probably the only one of us that's able to get proper sleep 'cause of how exhausted he is."

Gates frowned, looking to Matt for confirmation. Matt looked to him, knowing what he was trying to ask.

"He's hurt," he said, voice down like always; he just didn't want to attract any walkers.

"Dare I ask?" Gates said, really hoping it wasn't what he thought it was.

Matt shook his head. "Not a bite; promise. Just can't walk very well right now; had a bit of an incident when he showed up outta nowhere and Daryl thought it was a great idea to shoot first and ask about it later. Bolt went straight through his leg and he still can't walk real well; Ash's been helping him out this whole time but he can't go for long without a break."

"He gets drained real quick, 'specially since he can't put much weight on his left leg," Ashley input, Gates and the other three looking to him. "I think it's still mostly the pain, 'cause it's not that long since it happened."

Gates gave a nod and Matt indicated for them to sit down; they looked like they'd been on their feet for quite a while and could use the rest. Matt took a seat next to Vic who moved over a slight bit, wincing in pain slightly; Gates indicated for his guys and Arin to sit down too, so they did as asked, the four of them placing down their backpacks and whatnot too.

"So where're you guys headed to anyway?" Gates asked, leaning back against a tree, lazily tilting his head to look at Matt as Ashley went past and over to Andy, sitting down near him. Gates glanced at him before looking back to Matt, lowering his voice so that Ashley wouldn't hear. "He seems to've taken charge keeping a watch on him."

Matt gave a nod as Vic closed his eyes, feeling worn down and tired; it was probably the blood loss from where he'd been hurt.

"Yeah, he feels bad about a few things; wants to fix it," Matt said, his voice down too. "Andy knows he wouldn't be here without Ashley; we all know."

Gates nodded again as Matt sighed, continuing on with what he was saying, the others all staying silent and most likely trying to get a bit of rest from their long walk.

"As for where we're going..." He paused, giving a slight shake of his head; it was a slow movement, like he was thinking. "No idea; we're walking with no destination. Just gotta keep ahead of the herds and keep on moving."