Ash had been waiting in quarantine for the past three days. It was already the fourth and they still didn't show any signs of letting them enter. He had to wait until late into the evening before finally someone came over and cleared the lot of them. Ash was already tired and worn out from the long journey back. It wasn't easily accomplished. They had to fight all the way with just one licensed shotgun in their possession. Ash's handgun was just an empty shell now. He couldn't even use it to throw at the zombies, so it was safely tucked into his backpack and never touched.

As such the only choice they had left was to engage in hand to hand combat. The combat efficiency of the team was not high. Most of them would freeze completely when faced with a difficult situation. He embarrassingly realised that his usual useless ass was now one of the best fighters in this team. Andrew had some fight in him as he had been accompanying his father whenever he went hunting. And surprisingly Lena was one of the more flexible and athletic type. She was ruthless with her killings, which made Ash realise why everyone respected her so much and listened to her words. The rest of them were more or less dependent on these two and father Loch. Unfortunately their risky venture back did not come unscathed. They lost three students on the journey. They were completely swarmed, bitten and torn apart, that even Ash couldn't do anything to save their souls. The remaining people could only grieve for their loss.

When they arrived, Jule heard of his return and personally came over with his brothers and Anne to greet him across from the partition. He looked relieved and happy that Ash was safe. Zuri also came to talk with him and from her be obtained the details on what had happened when he was gone.

Apparently she and Kyle had done some snooping around the vicinity of the lab, and where now 60-70% sure that the lab had others inside there other than the scientists and the guards. If their presence there is voluntary or not is unknown. Kyle also suspected that the Zombies that they had caught before had not been disposed of. But they hadn't been too successful in infiltrating the facility so nothing was certain yet. In order to reduce detection, Kyle was the only one who entered the labs so Zuri was not clear on the details. When Ash inquired about Kyle's whereabouts, Zuri told him that right after they barely escaped from getting caught by the lab, Kyle was asked to go out on a big mission. It was supposed to be not too dangerous but would involve several weeks away from camp. So, he had left two days ago. He also thought that it would be best to lay low for a while and the best way to do that was to step out off the observation circle of the camp and thus scientists. Zuri also informed Ash that Kyle wanted to say something important personally to him and thus to stay away from the scientists as well as to wait for his return before taking any big steps. Although Ash was curiously to death, he nodded and agreed readily.

While he was stuck between the quarantine fence, everyone he knew and cared about made sure to come over and visit to confirm with their own eyes that he was indeed alright. From their words and gestures he knew that they were really sad and depressed when they heard about his 'death.' Mrs Nolan also came over and assured him that Emma was fine. She had been devastated on hearing about his disappearance. This coupled with her original illness made her fall ill. Although she has recovered now, she was weak and kept sleeping most of the time. Ash was instantly worried but after Mrs Nolan's continued reassurance he finally calmed down. He will see her soon anyway. Of all the people he expected to come, the one he was really looking forward to face, never showed up. After waiting for a whole three days, Rhys never showed his face or send any words of concern. These days, Ash kept wondering whether the reason he had been thrown out of that Jeep was because their captain was showing obvious distain for him. He always talked to him with a sneer and never acknowledged his worth. If it wasn't for this reason, then there was no way that, that man would have the courage to push him out without worrying about any consequences and for the rest of them to watch without taking any actions. Ash had hoped that he was just overthinking things but with the continuous absence of the man without any explanation, made him wonder if there was indeed a truth in his train of thoughts.

Rhys was a complete mystery to him. At first he was attracted to the radiant man with the intimidating and commanding presence. Then he felt fear but at the same time respect towards him during their missions. Later he could feel the obvious distrust and distain whenever the man looked at him. He always had the gaze of seeing something far away and distant whenever his eyes landed on Ash. Ash wasn't sure what it was, that he saw when he saw him, but it was certainly nothing pleasant. During such occasional, his heart would clench with uncontrollable fear and his hand and back would be covered with cold sweat. The killing intent directed at him would make his hands and feet tremble ever so slightly. Making his conscience scream at him to stay away from the man. Then there were completely different occasions were Rhys treated him fairly. Sometimes even better than one would expect him to. These are valuable treasured moments that has always helped him survive until now. So, Ash was confused. Rhys was sometimes hot and then cold, sometimes near then later distant. He just couldn't figure out the man. Right now was another such situation. 'What am I supposed to make out of your behaviour?' It is quite obvious that the teammates had acted out because of his cold treatment towards him. Ash couldn't help but feel a bit of grievance in his heart. It is not to his safety to follow a man who could directly and indirectly cause you harm. The only reason to keep tolerating him is to get his help with regards to Emma.

Ash hadn't really wanted to depend on the lab anyway from the beginning. He was just bluffing back then when he argued with Rhys. Ash knew how much trouble it can bring himself if they really figured out his power. Then there would be no reason or time for his disappearance. Rather than protecting Emma, it would be like pushing her into the fire. Rhys seems also not like a good option. But he was the better option compared to the two. The reason he had thought of Rhys instead of Kyle was because, Kyle had the bigger responsibility of looking after the whole group. He was more rational minded and would not agree easily as he would consider the safety of everyone before making a decision. Further more, his first and foremost priority was his lovely wife, so he would not place the greater importance on the safety of a little sick girl. Rhys on the other hand had the power and prestige as well as not too many obstacles holding him back from doing whatever he wanted. But now, Ash was not too sure about the credibility of using Rhys anymore. 'I should really step up my training and become self sufficient as soon as possible. Once I do I won't have to worry about all these stuff anymore.' Ash thought with determination. But who knows how long it will take for his lanky body to form more muscles and build up experience enough to awe the rest of the people to take him seriously. Until then it was imperative to keep a backing. Right now Rhys was the only best option he had at his disposal. 'I really should start mingling with more people and find someone kind and capable at least until I become strong enough.'

When Ash was finally led out with the rest of the survivors, he wanted to rush over towards Mrs Nolan who was taking care of Emma for him. But then someone grabbed around the shoulder and held him firmly from leaving.

"Ash I have been waiting for you to come out of there." Luke laughed as the hand around his shoulder tightened. Ash frowned and instantly wanted to shake away the paws off him. But Luke had much more strength than him which made it very difficult. The man ignored Ash's struggle and continued to talk in a cheery voice. "To celebrate your safe return, some of us are throwing a small campfire party. So you have to come with me now. Boss asked me to bring you. It is almost starting."

Ash's frown deepened. 'Shouldn't they be letting me rest rather than throw a party?' Ash wondered with annoyance. Well he did rest his body while he was stuck in quarantine, but he really didn't feel like joining them. "I am sorry. I will pass. If you will excuse me I would like to go and check on my sister." Ash finally was able to pull out of the strong grip and was about to walk off.

Luke suddenly grabbed his wrist and started pulling him away towards a certain direction. "You are the guest of honour. You cannot not be there when the party is thrown in your name." Seeing that Ash was still struggling he added, "That sick little girl had been fighting a fever for a long week and could only finally fall asleep properly yesterday. When I left she was already sleeping. Why do you want to go and disturb her now?" Luke said with a mocking smirk. "Just let the poor girl recover and join the party instead. Everyone is waiting for you." When he heard that, Ash finally stopped struggling and let Luke drag him away. The people who came with him were watching the exchange curiously and then when they saw Ash stop resisting, they followed after them to get to know the people more and mingle with them. What better way to integrate into and form friendships than a party.

By the time they got there, there was already a brightly burning fire. It shed light on the darkened sky, reflecting off the people that surrounded it with laughter and cheer. Ash immediately felt uncomfortable by the shear number of people that had gathered. Almost a quarter of the whole population of the camp was there at that moment. That meant most of them were strangers. Ash didn't know that their group had extended their friendship so far to include these many people.

Ash snorted at once at the sight that met his eyes. There were bottles upon bottles of alcohol piled up for everyone one to choose and pick. Every single person had a glass, mug or a bowl out of which they heartily drank the bitter liquid. Most of them were already on the verge of becoming drunk, and the night had only started. More disturbingly, men and women were found everywhere in compromising positions. Some were teasing, some were kissing, some where on the verge of doing something even more, without a care about who was watching. Some at least had the sense to leave with their partners to find a spot with more privacy when things got heated up. 'Is this what you call a party?' Ash wanted to roll his eyes. At least there was still some people who still had their wits about them, who gathered closer to the campfire to sing and tell stories and share drinks. They all consciously ignored the situation around them as if they were already used to it. If you listened closely you could hear distant shuffles and moans sounding from the nearby vegetation.

In that group, Ash finally spotted familiar faces and let out a sigh of relief. The first person he saw was James who was snuggling with Anne under the same blanket as they listened to some story that Tom was saying. Next to him sat some of the boys from their group and other groups whom Ash vaguely remembered going on missions with. Then he spotted Josh who had an unnaturally red face. He was constantly sneaking peeks at the happenings around him. It wasn't certain if he wanted to or not to join in the fun. But then Ash noticed the firm hand belonging to Jule, clasped onto Josh's shoulder, like a restraint and a warning. Ash couldn't help but slightly chuckle as he saw Jule occasionally giving Josh murderous glares telling him to behave. At the same time he had a very dissatisfied look on his face whenever he glanced in a certain direction.

Ash followed his gaze and finally noticed the person he had been wanting to see for the past several days. He just didn't expect to find him in such a situation. Rhys sat leaning on a bench with his head thrown back and eyes closed. A few empty alcohol bottles lay around him scattered. He had several of his buttons open because of the heat of the campfire or his drunkenness. Ash didn't know if the man was completely passed out or just resting his eyes for a moment. But this certainly wasn't an image he would have associated with Rhys. As he was still observing this new Rhys, Luke pulled him over and made him sit across from Rhys on an empty spot on a bench. Andrew and the others followed and found spots near Ash wherever it was empty.

"How is it? Great party right?" Luke asked with a chuckle as he placed an arm around Ash.

Ash scrawled at him, "I prefer my bed over this."

"Awwwe... you are no fun. Stick around for a bit. Rhys has something fun planned. If you feel still bored after that, then you can return." Luke whined.

Ash rolled his eyes, "He is wasted. I don't think anything more will come out of this 'party.'" Even though he said that, Ash still stayed and started talking with the people who came up to him. Luke only minded him until they arrived. Soon after a brunette walked over and plopped down Luke's other side and they started intensely making out. Although Ash felt uncomfortable hearing all the licking and smacking sound coming from next to him, he endured and ignored the duo. Anne was the first one to run over to him and hug him. She was all smiles as she talked to him while completely forgetting about the man, James, she had left behind.

"So you two are together?" Ash finally asked curiously.

Anne immediately chocked on her words and started blushing. She was a warrior woman in Ash's opinion and seeing her blush beet red made him amused. Anne just explained that they had been on several missions together and James would always step forward to protect her when she was in trouble. One time she was stuck in a building completely surrounded, and the rest of the team were voting on leaving since it was difficult to get her out. But it was James to was persistent and insisted on trying. Ever since then they had been looking after each other's backs and the feelings developed naturally. She also told Ash that even though James was all big and scary looking. He was very gentle and king and very gentlemanly. Before she knew it she had already fallen for him.

Ash just grinned and gave his regards for them but continued teasing her until James finally couldn't take being abandoned anymore. As soon as Anne left him, other women and men crowed around him trying to get his favour. This irritated him thoroughly. But his girlfriend had no intention to come and save him, so he had no choice but to shake them all off and go after her. He was sad that he had to give up their regular snuggling spot where they had first confirmed their feelings for each other. 'Does it matter where we sit as long as we were together.' He consoled himself. He was really annoyed at these unprincipled people who didn't even care that he had a partner and tried to get at him. Every moment he was worried that someone would sneak up to Anne and snatch her from him. But it seemed like that woman had no such worries. As she saw him struggling, she just snickered in the distance with Ash and enjoyed his troubles. 'Well it can be interpreted that she has complete trust in me.' James consoled himself again as he made his way over. He first grabbed Ash into a fierce bear hug and then placed his hand over his girlfriend neck, kneading the spot the way she liked.

Tom looked like he also wanted to come over, but the people who lost James as a target immediately turned on Tom and he was swarmed with persistent, horny men and women. Although he was flustered at first, he adapted quickly and picked a partner for himself rather than run away like James did. Ash just smiled and shook his head as he saw this. He really didn't think anything was wrong with having fun as long as both parties agreed. Although he was not in the mood himself to find a partner for the night, he could understand that the others were different to him.

This same situation was happening all around him. He nervously glanced in the direction of Jule, and he had to smile again. Jule had a very scary expression on his face. He was glaring at anyone and everyone who so much as dared to approach him closer than comfort. His poor brother was the one suffering. Josh had a very eager look in his eyes but because of his protective brother he could only slouch down and lower his head pouting. Jule noticed Ash looking in his direction and smiled at him. Then Ash noticed James saying something to Josh with a strict face. They seemed to be arguing about something before Josh pouted harder and turned his head away in frustration. Ash laughed in his heart. 'Younger siblings always have it hard with overprotective older siblings. No matter how much they are grown they will always thing he/she is a baby and won't let them do anything.'

After the seemingly short argument, which Jule clearly won, Jule stood up and walked towards Ash to greet him with a plate piled with hot steaming food. Just like his brother, Ash was crushed by a strong bearhug and then released with a grin. Ash felt a bit dizzy but also very happy. Jule took the vacated spot of his brother who had snuck away with his girlfriend and handed the plate towards Ash. Ash felt instantly touched. He had been starving since they had to depend on their own food stack when they where in quarantine, which wasn't much. It seems like other than Jule, no one cared or even noticed that he hadn't eaten anything yet. But looking at the contents on the plate Ash became a bit overwhelmed. Warm food was a luxury nowadays. A warm meal which included freshly plucked fruits and vegetables even with the most rarest, meat, was a miraculous blessing.

Seeing the teary eyed state that Ash was in, Jule rubbed his head and laughed, "Someone went hunting since they saw a herd of deer near the open fields downtown and of course without refrigerators, the meat would spoil quickly. So we got some for the campfire. So don't think too much and eat. who knows when you will get something like this again." Ash nodded and started digging in. The food felt so hot and delicious even with salt as the only seasoning. Jule smiled as he watched Ash eat in silence. He only started talking once Ash had completely wiped the plate clean. "We were told that you died during the last mission. I didn't know how to take it, but...." Jule paused and took a painful breath. "Ash could you tell me what happened back there? There is hardly any chance of surviving out there alone. Did your team...." It seemed like Jule had already guessed a bit on what might have happened. Ash remained silent. There wasn't any need to say all that he had suffered out loud. It wouldn't change anything but would tear open his own wounds again. So it was better to forget and try to pretend that nothing has happened. Of course the debt that, that man owed him would never be forgotten.

Seeing that Ash was not in the mood to talk about it, Jule reaffirmed his theory on what had transpired and his anger towards Rhys intensified. He was the one who needlessly took Ash out on a mission where he wasn't even needed. If he did, then he has the responsibility to look after him. At least make use that he returns back home. If his men misbehaved then it is due to the lack of disciplining by the leader. As Jule was lost in thoughts and ranting in his mind, Ash noticed a certain someone sneaking glances in their direction. both of their eyes locked together for a minute. He raised his finger towards his lips and asked him to keep quiet. Then confirming that there is no danger, he stood up and ran off at lightning speed. Ash wanted to laugh. He didn't know if he should let Jule know that his brother had snuck away even after his warning. He thought for a moment and then decided to stay quiet. Josh is an adult after all and it is just a matter of time before Jule figures it out by himself.

"What kind of mission was Kyle send on. Do you know?" Ash asked both because of curiosity and to distract Jule from realising that Josh was gone so soon.

"I heard, It is a escort mission. Someone high up was stuck somewhere. They send a radio signal asking for assistance. Apparently there is not much danger of Zombies around where they are stuck but they have injured people it seems. The journey to here is long, 4-5 days one direction and anything unexpected can happen during this time. So Kyle was send out." Jule answered after a bit of thought. "In my opinion it seems a bit fishy. The south west area from here was supposed to be heavily populated before the apocalypse. So, How could they say that the mission doesn't have high risk. Well with Kyle's skills, he should be able to handle anything but still it just feels weird. I also heard that initially, the commander wanted Rhys to accompany him as well, But the man has been completely out of sorts for the past month. Always drunk, getting into fights and seeking women one after another. Who knows what the devil has gotten into him. Maybe the stress of everything is finally catching up to him." Jule sighed in annoyance. Everyone had a breaking down moment after all this happened. Most of the people experience it pretty early... when you see your friends and family die, when you see the lifestyle you once had disappear, when you first encounter a zombie, when you first kill another man, when you starve for days. But Rhys was against expectations. He had already lived through it all so far without much trouble but then suddenly without any warning fell apart.

"Is that so." Ash asked surprised as his eyes unintentionally wandered to the man in question. He was still passed out. But his eyebrows kept scrunching up as if he was more pretending than being actually out of commission. 'Maybe he is doing it so that others don't disturb him?'

"I heard that few weeks back he got into a terrible fight with some of the men of the camp. It started verbally but it soon turned to blows. I heard that the former fleet admiral had to intervene before he stopped. The people he fought with were on the verge of death and are still hospitalised."

'He fought with a bunch of people and came out unscratched?' Ash wondered with amazement. 'I mean I know how good his fighting skills are being subjected to them before, but isn't taking on a bunch of guys alone a bit too overpowered?' Ash's eyes wandered to the man yet again. This time he thoroughly scanned his face and the exposed skin with wonder. 'Ah he is not completely unharmed.' there were very faded traced of bruises around his cheek and arms. 'He is human after all. Its just that his well sun kissed skin was hiding the brunt of the problem. Suddenly his eyes hardened as a thought came to him. "Then has he been looking after Emma?"

Jule's looked at him in confusion as if asking him how Emma was connected with Rhys. Seeing that Ash was unwaveringly staring at him expecting an honest answer, he thought for a moment and answered, "I am not sure why you are asking... but as far as I know it is always Mrs Nolan who is looking after the little girl. I haven't heard anything about Rhys going to see her or anything." His face then turned dark as he remembered another matter, "Some have been discussing what to do with her since you were no longer there. Until now it was our group that was providing for her. I don't think everyone was happy with the arrangement. When asked Rhys he also didn't have any opinion about the matter. In fact as soon as he heard her name, he just stormed off in anger."

Hearing all this, Ash was fuming with rage. 'How could he... After he promised.'

"I hope he gets his senses back together soon." Jule ruffled up his hair again, "Lets talk more later, right now I have to keep my eyes on a stupid brat so that he doesn't do some-" Jule stopped midsentence as his eyes scanned the spot that Josh was supposed to be before.

'Oops.' Ash thought as he saw Jule's eyes narrow with anger. Without waiting much longer, Jule said his goodbyes and stormed off in search of a run a away adult brat. Ash just hoped that when Jule's finally finds him, he is not in some kind of compromising position. 'Be smart Josh...' Ash prayed for his safety with a wicked grin on his face. Then his eyes filled with animosity fell towards a certain person only to see that those dark orbs were no longer shut tightly, but were watching him with great intensity.