#when Enid ran into the woods in her human body because all that mattered was Wednesday | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

orionredstarr · 7 years

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Homage to Diana Rigg

For those of you into the amazing television series Game of Thrones (I, being addicted to it as well from its inception) let me loan a bit of interesting ‘trivia’ to you about one of the actresses there in the show. She is so incredibly amazing, and yet she does not get the true coverage or tribute she deserves. That actress is none other than Dame Diana Rigg.

Back in the swinging and Mod sixties, meaning 1960 where yes, I was actually alive and there in person to receive the phenomenon known as the British Invasion. It began through music which was ignited by the arrival of the Beatles to our shores. England and all her country’s imports were a breath of fresh air to our stale American colonies. Perhaps we’d become creatively inbred and needed that injection of refreshing Anglo artistry. Well, along with the influx of fashion, music, and actors we gobbled it all up with fork and spoon in hand. Lo and behold, along came a little British television show called “The Avengers.” It was broadcast here in 1965 and rolled over our black and white tellies in the USA. It was an instant hit.

Do not worry, I am not going to bore you with all the bio statistics of the real-life of the amazingly talented Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg, or drone on about the television show itself. That information you can look up on your own in Wikipedia and I implore you to do just that, because it makes for an interesting read. I would prefer to tell you of my personal first-hand impressions as a young teenager, living in an oppressed country where women at that time, and still are, considered mere commodities and not complete human beings. No dear fellows and gals, not a history lesson on feminism either, but a real old timers experience being female and existed through that time period. I would like to speak of the amazing impact on woman’s roles in film and television, their impact from a woman’s perspective. I would hope that the reason will become self-evident and why they are so important! Naturally, I will tell you why it was for me, but first just a wee bit of ‘60s nostalgia to pepper the palate. Those who lived it can grasp the political implications, but todays women can only guess. I think it’s nice for we of sage years (ahem!) can pass along the experience baton. 😊

Think of the British groups like The Who, The Stones, Herman’s Hermits…. the list is exhaustive of male imported groups, but only speckled with a few distinguished lady singers such as Petula Clarke and Dusty Springfield. Ladies who I absolutely adored and can warble their 60s hit tunes in a flash. And the British Actors, we saw Sean Connery (who I personally think he is still a stone silver fox), Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole, Richard Harris, Alan Bates….. on and on, I think you’ve got the picture. There was a distinct imbalance of gender when it came to those who became important figures of the times.

Now although women were seeping into the music, movies and television media industries, it was still predominantly the same rule of thumb -- big tits, round ass, plop a shock of blonde on top of it, and if she could act, model, sing or breathe on cue, she was dubbed as the female lead in that venue presented! Basically, all the men in the films made back then, got to drool, grope, make bad and lecherous jokes, along with sexually biased comments to accompany their leers over her, and perhaps toss a few intelligent lines of dialogue. If the lady could convince the director and the public that she could actually think, or have a creative, original thought at the same time she was being ogled, better yet. She could breathe huskily at the male leads and say her lines whichever way her enormously molded boobs, in a torpedo bra pointed! That was it, a star was born!

That actress I used for example, was what is now affectionately known as the female sexual object. A woman to which most men would only consider worthy for a healthy romp in the back seat of a Chevy or Ford, and then offer her cab money to get home. Anything else in female form which could also include cooking, the darning of socks and the ability raise children and husband, was the other side of the coin. That optional image was called mother. So, we all pretty much can assume that was the steady diet and definition of the only real two role models represented to our young girls nationwide. We were all fed the notion of good girl-- bad girl prototypes, and please no matter what, you had better select the right one! That formula was especially doubled-downed to --we of the smaller boobs, short in stature, brunette of hair, and did not have a British accent! If we did not find our mate and learn how to keep him in order to survive…well, we could kiss our boring butts good luck on the road of life!

As a teenager in the States who was brought up in the era of Pat Boon, Mickey Mouse, and the Ed Sullivan Show, plagued with pimples and trapped within a training bra…watching anything remotely suggesting what we females were supposed to look like via the media roll out -- the future looked pretty grim! Point in fact, all the top television shows, recording artists, and every movie created in general throughout the 1960s period up until today; all dominant roles were slated for men. So, although the British invasion brought us a fresh new face, the atypical stereotype of tits and ass or blonde bombshell, was just as prominent with our cousins on the British Isles along with we here in the States. What was a girl to do?

Then along came The Avengers in the 1965-1968 series with the advent of starring an unknown (at least here in the USA) British actress named Diana Rigg. With a bit of research, you can find that she was indeed a talented thespian with the Royal Shakespeare Company. A beautiful woman, who also had many roles in film as well as stage at the time. However, she was a stranger in the woods to us on the other side of the pond.

When I first sat down in my tiny bedroom, laying on my side and too lazy to get up and change the channel of my 16 inch black and white television (no remote folks), or to adjust the antennae to obtain a clearer picture, I was all set. I was prepared to watch the brand-new show called The Avengers. The show actually ran in England much earlier, but we here did not savor those shows until the latter broadcasts. However, everything British was an instant success here, and I dare swear that along with The Saint, those two shows were my main staples. I could not exist without watching them! But little did I know what to anticipate, and wonder at my chagrin, when I first laid eyes on the character of Mrs. Emma Peel.

I tell you what I had not whispered to a single person in my life at that time--I loved every single thing about that woman’s character! It was not just a silly girl-on-girl childhood crush. I suppose today you might call it a girl crush that happened? But I did not want to possess Emma Peel in any sexual context …….not that simple. NO, I wanted to BE EMMA PEEL!!! LOL! I may have been a budding teenager, sexless, awkward, no boyfriend yet, and at the time when I truly grasped what Mrs. Peel was like, I could be found gaping at my tiny television in a catatonic state each week to admire her. I was wondering if I was a hopeless mental case and going to face a lifetime of psychiatric analysis………I wanted to BE a television character! I wanted to emulate everything about Mrs. Emma Peel.

Now I will tell you why.

Despite black and white television limitations, I could easily discern at a glance that Emma, or Mrs. Peel as Steed called her, was most definitely NOT a blonde! A rarity indeed in the 60s. The next feature of prominent notice, she did not have the torpedo tits, but had a svelte and sleek frame with all the normally padded spots we ladies have. Interesting, I thought. How many shows was it going to take to bleach her hair white and pad her bra with sewn in nipples? Shock of all shocks—it never happened. In fact, her Mod clothing of clean and crisp lines had transformed into a body hugging jumpsuit. Later on, with popularity of the show, it became affectionately known as the Emma Peeler. That was an item of clothing, which thank goodness, I never had the gumption to purchase. If I had been so brazen, I would have looked like a sausage tied in the middle and coming out of both ends wearing one of those! But, on Mrs. Emma Peel, it was perfection. It hugged her lady-like frame and showed off her womanly curves, without having boobs she could write her name with!

Her auburn hair (thanks to a new 18 inch color tv I got for Christmas-still no remote-and the event of the Avengers going to color) was coiffured into a manicured flip. During the first season, it was a bit too teased and starchy with hair spray, but later on transformed. It blossomed into these sumptuous waves of sexy dark hair. In fact, there was no woman on the face of this earth who could comb the nozzle of a gun through their hair the way Mrs. Peel did! She flicked her wrist and combed the gun through to sexily flip a tousled bit of hair askew from her eyes. Amazing.

Those wise eyes, of course were lined like cat eyes. It was the common phenomenon of female sexuality and style back then, and only just recently those luscious cat eyes have returned to us. She had sparkle and wit in those eyes too. Sexy, sophisticated……..and drumroll please, Emma Peel was SMART. Not just Oxford smart and book-wormish, but cheeky, sassy, witty, and dead clever. This was a smart brunette playing a lead role in a hit show, and she was intelligent! Not simply book smart and scientific, Emma was saucy, pert, ingenious, and she knew enough karate to beat the shit out of all the bad guys!! Unimaginable!

What the hell was I watching? I felt as if I had wandered into an altered state in another universe! This woman was married (I felt the only flaw) but she was self-sustained, intellectual, independent, lived alone, and could hold her own in a fight with a MAN. This was no ‘I Love Lucy,’ this was the 1960s and this sexy bitch ruled!! Is it any wonder I took a bag of henna to make my blonde hair auburn….a mistake that only Bozo the clown and I share in secret, but I worked hard at it! I forced myself to learn proper nutrition, spoke with wit and cunning, trained my mind with firm education, and watched people to be cleverly funny. Last of but not least, I was independent as hell both mentally and financially! Mrs. Emma Peel was my role model and damn it, I was going to pull it off or die doing it! I refused to be Wally Cleavers mother or a Donna Reed! BORING~~

Nobody in the show came right out and stated it, but for years alluded to the idea that Steed and Mrs. Peel were no doubt having it off in the back rooms. However, on screen and up front, their chemistry and sexual dalliances were electric and refined. Not some guy drooling over torpedo tits, but a man who desired this chic, classy lady who was also sexy and had panache. She did not have to parade about with tits up to the chin, play stupid, fend off a barrage of sexually debasing rhetoric, or she’d bash your face in! Wonderful! Sign me up for more of this!

As I sat there enthralled, week after week, watching Mrs. Emma Peel slink her way from one episode to the last, she was brilliant, beautiful, sexy, and fathomed how to best the bad guys with a presumptuously cheeky wink. I made a concise and determined decision, one that sculpted the remainder of my long life. I chose that year, that no matter what I had to do, learn, review, adopt, or steal from another…I was going to mold myself to be that sharp and vampy creature with a brain that was respected. I craved to be that type of woman.

There has never been a female role model in the media since the creation of Mrs. Emma Peel, except for the role Keira Knightly created to play Elizabeth Swann in the original Pirates of the Caribbean films. Only that characterization of a strong woman came very close. Elizabeth Swann was beautiful, smart, sexy, and yet she was fiercely independent, challenging, and idealistic. Sadly, Disney clipped her wings and reduced her into the usual cliché. She became a woman who was supposed to fall into the typical mother role men wanted; she had to behave a certain way living in a man’s world. By the third installment, that ideal of Elizabeth Swann being a true heroine and role model for today’s girls to follow, was swiftly kyboshed by Disney executives, writers, and producers. I feel sorry for that and for them.

What a shame our actresses are not given roles like that for young women to look up to. I did not have the ideal mother as a role model, and if it were not for revamping myself from watching that television character, deciding for myself that I was going to be different…who knows what would have become of me. But I became a strong leading lady of my own life, independent, formidable. Outspoken, clever, intelligent, classic and classy. Men have tried to rule me, but none could capture the phoenix. I reinvented my role as a woman in this male dominated world, as difficult as it was to choke on the ashes. And no matter how much men beat their chests, bragging how they rule this world of theirs, I am gravely disappointed over what they have done with their power. Another story altogether.

To my grave, I will always be thankful that I had the chance to peer into the other side of the mirror. I did not pander to the reflection I was told to model, I chose a different path. It was not always easy, and many times it came at a cost. But, I can only hope that for the young women of today WHO WANT THIS, take that step into a leadership role and become the stars of their own lives. Strive forward with a quest and desire to be your own powerful role models. Do not wait and remember to first do this for yourselves. Only then invite your friends, co-workers, family, and maybe someday include your own daughters on the charm! Give them the gift of independent thought, honor and self-respect! 😊

When in doubt, watch the television show The Avengers if it can be seen on Netflix, YouTube, or Hula. It would be worth your while to see a female character to cast your lot with! I never regretted my choice, and never found my own Steed, but I came pretty darn close to living an extraordinary life!

Thanks for taking the time to read, and my best to all!

Pass this post on to the ladies you admire and lift them up~

ORS

I dedicate this post to the few ladies here I know and admire:

@apirateslifeforme123, @princesspenelopenerfherder, @colorblindly, @mysticalgalaxysalad @snowbryneich

Love you, to those powerful and graceful ladies on Tumblr!

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starkshamilton · 7 years

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Surviving Somehow - Chapter One

Synopsis: All Ava wants is for her little sister Enid to be safe, and Alexandria seems to be the answer. However, when Ava realizes just how inept its' citizens are, she sees that the Safe-Zone is doomed to fail. That is, until another group strolls through the gates.

AO3

Hi, everyone!

This is my first fic about the Walking Dead and my first fic on Tumblr ever! It’s been awhile, but this idea has been rolling around in my head for wayyy too long. I also provided a link to my archive of our own account if that format is better for you.

Enjoy!

Chapter One: Just the Two of Us

Ava couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She wanted to scream, but the horror was stopping any noise from leaving her vocal cords. The gurgling of the dead cut through the tense air as Ava fell to her knees, her eyes never leaving the sight before her. The two forms of her parents laid on the dirt road as three walkers made a feast of their flesh, the roamers too busy with their kill to acknowledge her presence. She couldn’t have been gone for more than ten minutes—ten minutes to hunt while the couple worked to fix their broken-down SUV. Yet, that was all it took for her world to end. Again.

When humanity crumbled, they stuck together. They only had each other. Why did she leave them? They could’ve gone without food for another night. If Ava stayed, she would have been there to stop this, to save them. An involuntary sob escaped her throat, the emotion making the walkers turn to her before slowly getting up and making their way over to indulge in dessert.

Ava slowly stood up, but she didn’t run. Instead, she pulled her hunting knife out from its’ sheath stalked over to the beasts. Ava let her rage win as she took out each Walker, angry grunts erupting from her throat as she allowed the tears to roll freely down her cheeks. Once she took care of the last one, Ava seethed her knife, her eyes landing on the mutilated bodies of her loved ones. It was then Ava put her hands on her knees and retched. The vomit came out like a river, landing in front of her feet as she continued to gag long after the contents left her stomach.

“A…Ava?”

Ava whipped around to look at the source of the small voice. Her frame was coated in blood, the tears that she had been crying making the liquid drip down her round cheeks—cheeks Ava would always pinch to get a rise out of her.

“Enid.”

Without saying another word, Ava sloppily ran to Enid as she wrapped her little sister into an embrace. When Ava didn’t see her sister among her parents, she had assumed that Enid had took off running in a vain attempt to find Ava. She thought she would never see her again and, judging from the tight way Enid clutched onto Ava’s worn t-shirt, the elder sister assumed that Enid had thought the same of her.

“It was so bad,” Enid sobbed. “They…they came to the car…Mom and Dad tried to fight them off--.”

Ava gently shushed her, not wanting Enid to describe the trauma; doing so would only make her lose her little sister even more. Ava was content just standing there in silence, holding the one person who meant more to her than anything in the world. The sky had different plans as the clouds parted and rain began to coat the dirt road. Closing her eyes, Ava took a deep breath.

It was time to be rational, to be more than a big sister. Ava needed to be a leader.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Enid nodded, and Ava reluctantly released her from their hug. Silently, Enid took Ava’s hand, a gesture she had once saw as being ‘too babyish’. The small act broke Ava’s heart, and she squeezed onto her sibling’s hand before tugging her into the woods in search of cover.

It was just them now, and Ava wasn’t going to let them fail.

“You’re not holding it right.”

Enid tensed at the tired voice as she lowered the handgun. She thought that she was the only one awake but, turning around, Enid watched as Ava sat up in her sleeping bag. Enid put a hand to her heart in feign shock.

“You shouldn’t sneak up on someone when they have a gun in their hands.”

“I think I’m safe,” Ava scoffed. “Do you even know where the trigger is?”

“Ha. Ha.”

Ava smiled as she watched Enid turn the gun in her hand, examining the firearm. They guessed that they have been on their own for two months, and it was the first-time Ava had seen Enid pick up any sort of weapon. Their parents were deeply against Enid getting her hands dirty, stating that she wouldn’t need to defend herself because she would always have them.

What a lie.

Although Enid would never admit it, Ava was sure that her younger sibling was timid when it came to weapons. From the corner of her eye, she would catch Enid quietly flinching whenever Ava would use one; whether it be digging an arrow into a walker’s brain or firing a bullet to lure a herd away, she would have the same reaction. Of course, Ava never called her out on it. She knew her sister, and Ava didn’t have the energy to get into fights with Enid—not when each moment could be their last.

There was a small sense of relief within Ava when she woke up to see Enid aiming the weapon at a tree. This meant that she was willing to learn, or at least try. She stretched her arms, a tired yawn escaping her throat as she spoke.

“I can teach you to shoot, you know.”

Enid looked up from the weapon before giving a flippant response. “I know.”

Ava raised a brow. “Do you want to learn?”

“Mom and Dad wouldn’t like it.”

The response came quick, almost too fast for Ava to even prepare for it. Even after their death, Enid was still ‘the good child’. The one who listened to their parents without a fight while Ava went through her ‘angst’ phase until she was twenty. Ava shook her head. The past didn’t matter anymore, and Enid needed to realize that.

“Mom and Dad wanted you to be safe,” Ava pointed out as she turned to face Enid more directly. “They would want you to be able to defend yourself when I’m not around.”

Enid narrowed her eyes. “Planning on leaving me?”

“Never,” Ava sharply answered, “But Mom and Dad weren’t either.”

The judgmental glare faded and Enid looked down at her shoes, trying to hide the tears Ava didn’t mean to cause. Ava didn’t regret what she said; Enid needed to learn that the world didn’t follow the same rules anymore. Ava gestured for Enid to come into her arms, and the younger girl welcomed the comfort.

“I’ll do everything I can to stay by your side,” Ava whispered into her hair, “But you need to fight to stay by mine, too.”

Ava felt Enid’s head nod, but the girl didn’t let go of her until a few more moments passed. Enid’s expression of sadness was now replaced with one of determination as she held the gun out to Ava, her small voice now dripping with strength.

“Teach me.”

The arrow pierced through the squirrel’s neck, making the unsuspecting animal topple to its’ side in a lifeless heap. Enid let out a small curse as she lowered the bow, the owner of the weapon walking past her to pick up their dinner. Looking down at the creature, Ava offered a small nod of approval.

“You almost got the eye!”

Enid groaned. “’Almost’ isn’t good enough.”

“Maybe,” Ava grinned as she picked up the animal and ripped the arrow out of it. “But it is closer than when you kept hitting nothing.”

She shrugged. “Whatever.”

Enid had been getting better with weapons; so far, her best skill came with knife wielding. Ava noticed that she still had trouble pulling the trigger of her gun, but if she could take a walker out with one stab to the skull, that was good enough for now.

However, it wasn’t Enid’s survival skills that were worrying Ava, it was her mental state. The pair had decided to leave the comfort of North Carolina to see what the North had to offer. They have been traveling for a few months and their time on the road had showed Ava just how hollow Enid was becoming. The girl who was once unable to conceal her giggles in the most serious circumstances was now becoming hardened with melancholy behavior.

Ava couldn’t blame her. Enid had been dealt a rough hand, but it was hard watching her sister disappear into a cloud of negativity and despair. It was as if the little sister was just waiting for death.

“The world wants to die,” She had said to Ava one evening, “It’s time to let it.”

Ava just shook her head. “Then why are we still here?”

Ava tried to keep things light by cracking jokes, congratulating her on a kill or making dinner, but all Enid would do was roll her eyes in response. Or worse, she would downplay her achievements by stating what she did wasn’t ‘good enough’. Ava wanted to see her little sister smile again, she just didn’t know how.

“I’ll get this thing roasting,” Ava began her trek back to their camp for the evening. “You can practice a bit more, if you want.”

Enid brightened up at this—it was the first-time Ava saw her do so in a long time.

“Just don’t go too far.” Ava reminded her.

Enid nodded, already walking away. “I won’t!”

Ava simply shook her head before making her way to the camp. They had a bit more than they did only a few weeks ago; Ava had found a tent in a junkyard, and Enid found another sleeping bag, so they no longer had to share. She would never say it aloud, but Ava missed cuddling with her sister at night, but Enid needed the space. Ava had hoped the privacy would help her attitude, but so far, it hadn’t.

After skinning the squirrel, and making a fire, Ava began the slow process of cooking the animal; however, even after doing all of this, Enid still hadn’t returned.

And it was when Ava heard a scream pierce the air when her worst feelings were confirmed.

Grabbing her gun, Ava took off running into the woods, jumping over anything that would slow her down. Instinct made her want to scream Enid’s name, but she knew better. Whoever had her sister, Ava couldn’t alert them. Not if she wanted to have a chance to beat them.

When she saw figures in the distance becoming closer, Ava slid to her knees, ducking behind a bush to get her bearings. Her heart raced when her eyes landed on Enid, her baby sister corned by two older men; one stood behind her, covering her mouth while the other sneered in front.

“You better not scream again, little girl.” The man in the front grinned as he whipped out his knife. “Or I’ll give you something to wail about.”

Screw being cautious. Ava stood up, aiming her gun at the man.

“That’s enough.”

Her voice made the man in front look over to her as the one holding Enid turned to face Ava. At the sight of her elder sister, Enid’s eyes went wide, but Ava could see the small light of relief they had within them. The man holding the knife only looked afraid for a moment before slipping back into a smile.

“It looks like we’re just getting started,” He chuckled. “You got a name?”

Ava didn’t have time for bullshit. “Let her go.”

“That’s impolite, didn’t your mother teach you manners?”

She hummed. “She taught me not to talk to strangers.”

“Touché.” He looked between Enid and Ava. “Is it just you two, or ya’ll got a camp?”

Ava remained silent. She didn’t want these guys to know just how much they got on their own, although now it seemed that they would be leaving their goodies the moment Ava got Enid back.

“Fine, don’t tell me.” He shrugged, “But you’re going to have to pass me that gun.”

She didn’t flinch, her hands never shaking as she kept the weapon up. However, Ava’s rational thinking came to a halt when the man held a knife up to Enid’s cheek, getting ready to slice.

“I’m waiting…”

He pressed the blade down on her cheek, and Enid let out a small sound of pain through the man’s hand as the sight of blood began to drip. Ava quickly put the gun on the ground before putting her hands up.

“Take it!” Blood continued to be drawn, and Ava felt herself shake. “Just take it!”

He stopped and grinned. “Good girl.”

Ava watched with careful eyes as he made his way over to her. Giving his best smile, the man bent over to pick up the weapon. While his back was arched, his sights on the ground, Ava quickly got her knife out of her holster and drew it through his shoulder.

The man let out a wail and Ava kneed him in the face, the impact making him fall backwards. Enid took this as a sign to act, the girl biting the man’s hand. He yelped and let her go, giving Enid time to run back over to Ava and hide behind her as the elder picked up her gun. With one arm wrapped around Enid, and the other holding the weapon, Ava didn’t blink as she fired a shot into the head of the man who had once held Enid.

Ava then let Enid go as she got to her knees, straddling the ringleader as she began to plant punch after punch to his face.

“You like picking on little girls, huh?” She yelled, unable to stop herself from taunting the pervert. “Makes you feel tough?!”

The man didn’t answer, he couldn’t with Ava pounding into him. Enid watched as Ava then took her knife and stabbed the man between the eyes, watching the life disappear from the orbs. Silence erupted through the forest, the only sound being Ava’s deep breaths as she looked between the man below her and the other fallen in the distance.

Ava had never killed a living person before, but now, she could add two to her count.

It was an odd feeling. Unlike the walkers, there was no sense of accomplishment. There was only a feeling of completing a mundane task; as if it was a daily chore that needed to be done. Ava did it for Enid, to protect her, but she didn’t know how her little sister would react. Would she see Ava as a monster? Would she be afraid of her?

Ava turned to face Enid, wanting to see the answer for herself.

Her heart dropped when she saw cold eyes, and a hardened expression, staring back. Unmoved.

Life was bleak.

Well, bleaker than usual.

The girls had run out of food two days ago and, with winter settling in Virginia, animals were beginning to disappear. Ava did shoot down a bird that was big enough for one of them to eat, and she gave it to Enid—much to the girl’s disapproval.

“You need to eat too.” Enid shook her head as Ava thrusted the cooked bird in her face.

Ava didn’t hesitate. “You come first, Enid.”

“No.” Enid practically yelled, “It’s both of us, or none of us.”

Seeing that Enid wasn’t going to eat, Ava tossed the bird. She hated that Enid would rather die than be alone. Ava realized she would have to sit down and talk to her about how, if she died, Enid would have to move on. It wasn’t a conversation she wasn’t looking forward to, but it had to be done.

They walked down a frigid path, the only sound being their feet against the dirt road…until the sound of rustling bushes made both girls freeze. Ava put her hand out to Enid, stopping the youngest from going any closer before aiming her bow towards the lush brush. After a short moment, a German Shepard stepped out of the green, his tongue hanging out as he paused in front of Ava, letting out a growl.

For a moment, Ava considered firing the arrow and dining on dog meat for the night. Between the two of them, the meat could last about a week. However, her plans were diminished when Enid put a hand out to the dog.

“Easy, boy. Easy.” She coaxed.

Enid kneeled on the ground, the sudden movement making the animal move excitedly towards her. Ava was about to tell Enid to get away from the dog, to be ready to run, but the look of pure joy on Enid’s face made the eldest pause. It was the first time in a week Ava had seen Enid smile, the expression even reaching her brown eyes as she let the dog sniff her hand.

Ava felt her mouth turn up in a smile. “I think you made a new friend.”

“He’s so cute!” Enid whispered, giggling as she gave the dog a scratch behind the ears. “His collar says his name is Max!”

Ava looked for any sign of people, “I wonder if his owners are nearby…”

“Maybe food’s nearby.”

If dog owners were nearby, maybe they could offer them a small reward for bringing him back—perhaps in the form of food. However, Ava knew not to get her hopes up; these days, it was people who were the real threat, but she couldn’t bear to state the negatively aloud. Not when Enid was so happy.

Max let out a soft bark before taking off down the path, making Enid instantly stand up as Ava tensed.

“Where’s he going?” Enid frowned.

Ava turned to her before looking where the dog ran off to. They had nowhere else to be, nowhere to go, maybe the dog was a sign. Ava shrugged.

“Let’s find out.”

“Holy shit.”

Ava’s eyes widened at the sight of an abandoned camp in front of her. Two tents sat on either side of the clearing. One tent was completely ripped to shreds while a fire pit that has long been out of use sat between the two makeshift houses. Ava watched with interest as Max sniffed around a trash can, tail wagging with glee without a care in the world. Without a second thought, Ava made her way to the can, ignoring Enid’s scoff.

“I’m not that hungry, Ava.”

Ava looked down in the can, taking in the flies and smell before rolling up her right sleeve. “We need to check everywhere. Remember that.”

“Yeah, sure.” Enid waved her off as she made her way over to one of the tents.

Ava’s unbothered façade faded as she turned back to the can. She could practically see the stench of the trash radiating from the can. This was a new low for her. Yet, her growling stomach reminded her that the new world was filled with lows. Ava looked down at Max, who had taken a seat and looked at Ava expectedly. She rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, you enjoy the show, boy.”

With that, she dived her hand into the bin. After a few times of picking out pure trash, Ava finally felt a sense of accomplishment when she pulled out a sealed can. Her eyes grew wide as she read the label; Fresh Beans. A grin overtook her features before looking down at the dog, his tail wagging at the sudden attention.

“Oh, thank god,” She then turned to Enid. “I found dinner!”

Enid’s head popped out of the tent. “No freaking way!”

The young girl ran over to her sister, taking the can in her hands before giggling. Ava joined, and the two were delirious with laughter. After weeks of pitiful dinners that were comprised of pine nuts, they would finally have some real nutrients.

The sisters walked over to a log by the long burned out firepit as Ava took out her knife and began opening the can. The sight of brown and red beans made Ava almost start weeping with joy as she poured some into Enid’s hand before doing the same for herself. Moans that were once reserved for five-star meals were now the soundtrack of their small dinner.

“Did you find anything good?” Ava asked, wanting some lighthearted conversation.

Enid grinned. “A few comic books.”

Ava smiled back. When Ava and Enid were younger, and the phase of hating a sibling hadn’t hit yet, the older sister had introduced Enid to the world of comics. Although Ava once enjoyed them herself, and wanted to share the hobby, it was all to get Enid more excited about reading. Their parents were pleased when they saw just how much it worked. Before Ava could add more, the sound of a whining dog made the two look down. Max laid at their feet, begging for a bite of food. Ava and Enid shared a look.

“He did lead you to the trash can.” Enid trailed off, a wishful tone in her voice.

Ava pursed her lips. The selfish side of her wanted to save a lot of the beans for themselves, but looking at Enid’s big eyes, and Max’s whines providing an ambient noise, Ava realized she didn’t have much of a choice. The older girl sighed before giving a smile.

“You’re right,” Her grin widened at the sight of Enid’s excitement. “Sharing is caring.”

Enid beamed as she poured a few more beans into a hand before reaching out towards the dog. However, instead of going for the food in her hand, Max knocked the can out of Enid’s hand and began lapping up the food.

It was then everything seemed to happen in slow motion.

As Enid reached to pick up the can, the dog latched onto her arm, pulling her down to the dirt ground. The younger girl screamed as she tried to rip her arm away from the dog’s jaw. Ava could only see red as she sprang into action; after all this time, she wasn’t about to lose Enid to a mutt.

Using the strength that could only come from pure adrenaline and anger, Ava grabbed the dog by his collar and pulled him off Enid. Ava could hear Enid’s heavy breathing, but her focus was on the devil dog. He growled, getting low before lunging towards Ava. However, the older girl was quicker as she delivered a kick to the dog’s chest, sending the animal over the log across from the pair.

When the dog didn’t return, Ava quickly ran over to Enid, dropping to her knees beside her little sister. Enid clutched her injured arm to her chest, her eyes threatening to release tears. Ava reached for her arm, but gesture making Enid huff in pain as she curled more into herself.

“You have to let me see it, baby.” Ava coaxed, gazing at her with sad eyes.

Enid bit the side of her cheek to stop herself from screaming out as she slowly moved her arm away from her chest. Ava sucked in a breath at the wound. Enid’s arm was a mangled mess of flesh, canine indentions decorating the skinny limb as blood colored her skin red.

“I’m sorry…” Enid whispered, tone full of guilt.

Ava felt her heart drop at the apology. “None of this is your fault,” She spoke seriously before deadpanning, “If you try to apology to me again, I’m going to cut off your other arm.”

A small smile took over Enid’s lips before fading into a grimace of pain once more. For once, Ava didn’t have an inkling of what they could do. They ran out of medical supplies a few weeks ago and every place they scavenged came up empty. Ava would have to put her trust in people, that’s if any were even nearby. Taking her knife from her pocket, Ava cut a long piece of fabric from the oversized plaid shirt she wore before using the strip to wrap the wound.

“We’re going to find help.”

Ava could tell Enid wanted to protest. Enid was always wearier of people than Ava, even before the end of the world. However, judging from the weak nod the younger sister gave in response, Ava realized that she didn’t have the strength to voice her opinion.

Wrapping an arm around Enid’s body, Ava helped the girl to her feet. The pair slowly left the camp, and the dreadful memories it made, behind.

The afternoon sun rose high in the sky, the leaves of the trees doing little to protect Enid and Ava from the harsh heat. Despite feeling Enid growing heavier in her arms, Ava continued to push on for the both.

The sun was cruel, but the night would be worse.

“How much further?” Enid weakly asked, her eyes half lidded.

Ava pursed her lips, trying to think of the answer that did not exist. She was still dealing with the shock that they hadn’t run into another campsite for miles. Even more terrifying, they hadn’t seen a Walker in hours; however, Ava didn’t want to jinx that. Ava pulled Enid closer to her.

“A few more miles,” Ava lied. “I think I saw smoke in the distance.”

Enid sighed, exasperated. “Can we just rest for a second?”

They needed to keep going, but one look at Enid’s face was enough to make Ava agree. The girl was drained of all color, her eyes drooping as Ava gently sat her against a rock. Ava took the spot next to her, pulling her knife out as she always did when she had to keep watch. Enid leaned into Ava, the older sister wrapping an arm around her as Enid dropped her head to Ava’s shoulder. Ava grinned, it would almost be like old times if Enid’s arm wasn’t mangled.

“Thank you.”

Ava kissed her head. “No problem, kiddo.”

It only took a moment for Enid’s steady breathing to fill the air, her face nuzzled in Ava’s neck comfortably. Ava looked around the forest before looking down at Enid’s arm. The blood was soaking through the makeshift bandage, the sight instantly making Ava look away. She wasn’t a Doctor, despite her parents’ wishes, but even Ava knew that they didn’t have long until the injury was infected. Even if they found people, did they know to treat a serious infection? The thought of losing Enid made Ava pull her closer into her body, as if the proximity of their bodies would be the best medicine.

Ava snapped to her senses as she looked around the forest. She looked down at Enid, the girl still sleeping soundly as Ava ran her free hand through her hair. Ava didn’t know if she was out for five minutes or hours; either length was too long. She looked around the area, thinking it was clear until the unmistakable sound of the dead reached her ears; a Walker was coming up right beside her. Ava silently cursed to herself before gently shaking Enid awake.

The girl was only angry for a moment, but soon grew alert when she saw what was coming. Weaker than before, it took Ava a moment to help Enid to her feet. As they walked, Ava could see more of the dead coming out of hiding. Ava wondered if they could smell the blood that was practically pouring out of Enid’s arm.

The younger girl hobbled, doing her best to keep up with the pace needed to escape death, but Ava could feel her growing heavier in her arms. Enid’s body wanted her to stop, and she was ready to let it. She took in Ava’s determined expression, and wondered if it was time for the older sister to let her go.

“Ava, I…”

Ava’s jaw clenched, as if knowing what Enid was about to say, “Shut up.”

Without another word, Ava scooped Enid up into her arms with a grunt. Ava darted through the woods, wanting more than anything to make it to the clearing at the end of it. She readjusted Enid in her arms more than a few times, but she never stopped moving; if she stopped, they were both as good as dead.

The clearing was close when Ava’s foot got caught on a root, sending both girls tumbling down onto the ground. Ava landed on top of Enid, the younger girl unable to stop herself from yelling out at the fall. Ava lifted herself slightly, looking behind her to see the Walkers advancing. She put a comforting hand on Enid’s back.

“Don’t move!”

She didn’t wait for Enid to answer as she pulled her pistol out, firing at the Walkers that were getting too close for comfort. She had only taken down five walkers when her chamber clicked empty; Ava had clearly overestimated her bullets. Her eyes grew wide when she saw a Walker coming closer to them. She took a few breaths as she pulled her knife out. The fight would be close, but Ava wasn’t going to die. Not like this. She was about to kick the Walker’s feet out from under him when a bullet planted itself into his head, sending him down on the ground next to Ava and Enid.

Ava gasped, confused. However, it was when she saw two bodies running towards her when she realized they weren’t alone. The closer they got, Ava began to see that they were two men; the realization made Ava grip her knife tighter.

The men they ran into seemed to think that they were owed something, and Ava was ready to defend Enid if this pair shared the same outlook. After taking out most of the Walkers, the men made their way over to Ava and Enid; the former instantly raising her knife in defensive.

“Whoa, okay,” The blonde put his hands up in a ‘surrender’ gesture, his words rushed as he struggled to catch his breath. “Relax.”

Ava was internally shocked at his appearance. He had to be the cleanest person she had seen on the road. His blonde hair perfectly combed, and looked to be washed, as his clothes only had a few droplets of dead blood on it. However, that didn’t make her lower the knife as the second man made his way over, his eyes wide as he took in Ava’s insane expression.

“Give me a reason to.” Her eyes narrowed.

“We get it,” A redhead stepped up. “Stranger danger and all that.”

Her knife shook slightly. ‘Stranger Danger’? Was this a joke? The two men shared a look before looking back down at Ava.

“We wouldn’t kill all these dead ones just to hurt you,” The redhead went on, “We want to help you.”

Ava blinked. That reasoning was logical, most crooks gave up when there was a horde near, but the men in front of her killed nearly all of them. Ava lowered her knife, but didn’t let her guard down.

“Well, you did what you wanted,” She gestured to the slayed Walkers. “Thanks, bye.”

The man opened his mouth, ready to try another tactic, when Enid’s coughing cut them all short. Ava ignored her senses and put her knife away before turning to her sister. Enid laid in a ball on the forest floor, cradling her arm as her body shook with coughs. Ava ran a hand through Enid’s long locks, trying to get it out of her face.

“Shit, Enid, look at me.”

“Av…” She began, but was unable to finish as coughs racked her form.

Ava put her hands-on Enid’s shaking body, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She didn’t know what to do, how to help her crumbling sister, until the blonde man spoke up.

“We have a Doctor, with an office and everything!” He practically yelled. “If you go back to our Community, she can get the treatment she needs.”

Ava reluctantly tore her gaze away from Enid, taking in the pair of men before her. Surprisingly, they looked just as panicked as Ava felt, as if they knew Enid their whole lives as well. It gave Ava the smallest spark of hope.

“You better not be bullshitting.” Her voice came out more broken than Ava expected.

The redhead couched down in front of Ava, putting a comforting hand out to her as he spoke.

“You don’t have to like us, but you need to trust us,” He coaxed, his voice much gentler than his partner’s. “We can save her.”

That was all Ava needed as she scooped Enid up into her arms and followed the pair out of the forest.

#i'm so nervous ahhhh #all the chapters won't be this long i promise #the walking dead #the walking dead fic #twd #twd fic

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