[IC] The Walking Dead-From the beginning -Closed

[Wick]

@Belle

Nikki Hyatt

Nikki looked at the old man and she new he was strong and probably very stubborn but figured he would probably fit in around there fairly well. "If you would like to stay I'll get you a room to sleep in. We have showers you can get cleaned up in too. James will show you where everything is. Jenna will call when dinner is ready. Did you say Monroe? Any relation to Katherine?"

[Belle]

Malcolm looked at Nikki with relief and gratitude. "Thank you my dear. You are God's blessing to me. A chance to bathe away this filth would be beyond anything I could ask for. I greatly appreciate your hospitality. I will not take advantage for long. Just enough to rest and then I must search for my party. I have to know if any of them are still alive. You understand that, don't you?" he asked, knowing already from five minutes with Nikki that if any of her group were lost she would go and find them.

His head snapped up when a certain name was mentioned. "Katherine... You know a Katherine Monroe? No... it can't possibly be... God is not so gracious... But what if... oh Lord what if it is her?!" Malcolm covered his face in his hands, tears coming to his eyes. "Before the world went to Hell I was searching for a Katherine Monroe. My daughter... my only child..." he pulled a battered photo from his pocket to show : a teenage Katherine standing next to a birthday cake smiling. "Several years ago we had a disagreement that turned into a full on argument. I'm ashamed to say I beat her in anger. I have never regretted something as much as I regret that. I would cut off my own hand if it would take the action back. She ran away, rightly scared of me. I have been searching to tell her I'm so sorry, to beg for her forgiveness. I love my little Kitty so much. I was terrified I had lost her forever to the walking dead. Tell me, please, do you know this girl?"

[Wick]

Day 15 5:45pm

Nikki Hyatt

Nikki looked at the man and tried to remember what Kat had said about him. It was very little. Just that she was estranged from him. That she had hated him. Nikki decided to play it safe and not tell him about Grace. "Yes, she married my brother yesterday. They are having their honeymoon night tonight and they will be back sometime tomorrow night I believe. You are welcome to stay if you would like to."

"James go ahead and show Mr. Monroe to his room in 27 and take him to the showers and let him get cleaned up." She nodded to James. She exited the room in a hurry. She wanted to let Jenna get back into the kitchen. She felt best when she had Grace in her arms while Kat and Matt were gone. She was worried that somehow she would get hurt. She gave Gracie snuggle kissies and made her giggle.

@Belle @Demonic Angel

[alexfangtalon]

Alex Hill

---

Alex Hill

---

Something didn't feel right. This guy was pretty calm for someone who just got separated from his group. The man's speech was eloquent, refined. That could just be how he is, but to Alex it felt like this man had said these things many times over. When Nikki took the pistol of the man, Alex was the one who grabbed it as she continued talking to the newcomer. Alex quickly inspected the gun. He wasn't good enough to tell if it had been shot recently, but he checked to see how many bullets were gone. Only a few, but that could be understandable.

When the conversation turned to the recent bride, Alex wished he had spoke up before Nikki could have said anything. Alex didn't trust easy and anytime someone showed up with a past relation Alex would always wait to speak to someone until talking to the common acquaintance. He did this even before the dead decided to move about. This time Alex would have to do things differently though. Just before James could led the man to his room Alex walked up to them and said, "Hello Malcolm. My name is Alex. I'd like to speak with you. Once you are cleaned up and rested I'll be waiting in the gymnasium." Once he said this Alex left to hide Malcolm's gun.

@Belle

[Demonic Angel]

Collab between Alexfangtalon, Wick,and Demonic Angel

Nikki brought Grace back downstairs as Jenna passed her in a hurry to get back to the kitchen. It was almost time to eat and she wasn't quite finished yet. Nikki had planned on a fun dinner with the munchkin in her room.

Vincent didn't speak as his sister kept her clingy status. From what he had heard this man had it worst than any of them, Nikki as the exception of course. Yet something seemed to tug inside the man's gut as if there was a black hole. Why did Kat's father wait until now to show himself? Wouldn't it had been better to come here sooner rather than later? The younger man had more questions than answers now meaning that there must have been something brewing inside the guy's head. The line of thoughts were interrupted as the group's leader exited the room. His head turned toward Erin, nodding to her to stay, before following the charming Nikki to kitchen and finally to her room.

Nikki put the tray of food down on the table and set herself and Gracie on the floor to eat. She reached up to grab the tray as Vincent appeared at the door. "Hey, what's up?" she said to him. "Oh, hey come in a sec, if Kat's dad comes by or says anything about the baby. Until I know what's what from Kat I would rather he think that the baby is mine." Nikki shrugged." He seems nice and all I just like to be cautious." Nikki started to feed the baby.

" I have a bad feeling about that man Nikki. Just something about him causes Erin to become rather clingy which isn't like her." Vincent said as he walked inside the room. " The story seems to fit with the wounds yet if you watch his reactions they seem a little bit delayed or maybe even forced." The man looked toward the hallway with a small frown before looking back. His reactions were that of a jumpy person who had something to hide. In fact the guy did have something to hide, a past filled with murder for a mobster's family. " Guess it could just be me."

Well I wouldn't mind extra eyes on him. "Grace is not leaving my reach until they are back. "Huh punkin?" She tore up Gracie's food and gave her the little bites. She was still learning to chew her food so bread and hot dogs were good to her. Nikki looked up "Hey, sorry about all that business when we first met. I think we got off on the wrong foot." Nikki looked up at him. "Go ahead and close the door if it will put you at ease."

Vincent faintly remembered the very first meeting. Though he did remember a few fights that could had been prevented if they would have shared certain secrets with each other. " Ah. I forgave you a long time ago Nikki. You were just doing what was best for the group yet I ended up causing trouble. As for the jumpiness well... That's a long story from the past." The man's stare was distant now as the flashback of the police played inside his mind.

Nikki wondered what he was thinking with that far away look of his. "Vincent? What did you do before you got here. I mean before the world fell apart?"

" I was wondering when you would ask that question. It would depend on. I was an Irish Army Ranger just like my father. Before that well I took care of people who didn't pay the Irish Mob." The young man said with frown. " Not the best career choices."

After having found a decent place to hide Malcolm's gun, Alex decided to look for Nikki and ask her what she knew about Malcolm from what Kat had said. Once he got to the woman's door he looked in to see Nikki, Grace, and Erin's older brother the mobster. Not the person Alex wanted to be close to right now, especially when Erin/Clara weren't around. Alex decided to keep focused on what his task was and said, "Nikki, I have a question and was wondering if now was a good time."

Nikki saw Alex hanging out in her door. "Yeah come on in and could you shut the door?" After he shut the door she could feel the tension between Alex and Vincent. "Okay what's up and could you two please limit the extra testosterone?"

Alex walked in closing the door behind him then grabbed a chair to sit in. He looked over at Vincent before continuing, "I was wondering if you could tell me what you know of Malcolm? I plan on speaking to him after he's rested up. I feel like we need to have some more info before we let him just roam around here unsupervised."

Nikki said "Kat shuts down when you bring up her dad or the past. I don't know why but I know she hates her dad. I don't know if it's a regular teenager/parent thing or worse. That being the case, I would like him to think the baby is mine til Kat gives the ok. I don't want to be in the middle or making decisions for her that are hers to make. The rest we can handle but Grace has to come first."

" Best to have a father figure in the picture. That way if Malcolm does begin to snoop around things would be less stressful on you. I wouldn't mind playing the father that is if you would have me Nikki? As for Alex I just want to know how he knows my sister." Vincent responded.

"As I mentioned before Vincent, it is not my place to tell you about Erin's past, but I guess telling you how I know here is fine. We meet when I was 12 and she was about 10. I was volunteering at the local children's hospital. Mrs. Moon was working there at the time, and invited me to come see Erin. I knew her for about a month before my family moved farther south. I didn't say goodbye and that is just one reason why I won't tell you about her unless she says it's alright with her."

Nikki listened as they went back and forth. She just kept feeding the baby. "Sure no problem Vincent. I think another buffer between him and the baby can't hurt. Sounds great."

" Now the question is how long does the man plan on staying. Is it possible to keep the children away from him? At least for now. That way no one but adults are harmed." Vincent said while looking toward Alex.

"Well that is why he is on the bottom floor. Also why door lock. Alex will stay with his siblings and...." Nikki realized what Vincent playing Daddy suddenly meant and said "I guess you and Erin will be in here. We'll bring more mats in." She cleaned up the baby and declared her finished eating. She gave her a couple of toys to play with so that she could stand up." Okay, just make sure the doors are locked and the kids stay together."

After realizing the conversation was pretty much over Alex stood up to leave the room then turned back and said, "Oh, before I forget. Nikki, I took Malcolm's gun and hid it in a chair that I cut open in the principal's office."

Nikki nodded. "Ok thanks."

[Belle]

Malcolm sat on a cot in the small room. This group had quite the set up. A little lacking in defenses, but that could be seen to. On the whole they were doing quite well for themselves. Most of them would make strong additions to The Family.
Those who didn't make the cut would also be seen to.

The girl Nikki. She was headstrong and quite capable. She would be welcomed into the fold easily. She would have to be taken down a notch or two as far as attitude, but tenacity could at times be useful once channeled properly.
The man Vincent. He was one to watch. If he fell in line then he would make a good soldier of The Family. Is he didn't, he would make good fodder for the dead to feast upon.
The man Alex. He was undecided as far as that one. Time would tell if he was strong enough for The Family.

Oh but the jewel of this trove was by far Katherine. His Kitty. He had found her once again. Once they were together again, once she had accepted her place in The Family, she would be happy. They both would be. He would care for her and keep her safe. His precious girl.
... they are on their honeymoon...
His eyes flickered with steely rage. His Kitty married? That would not do. There was no place for this husband of hers in The Family. He had no doubt poisoned her mind, as men did to pretty girls. And his poor poor Kitty had been without him for so long she must miss him, and this unknown man had come in and taken advantage of her fragile state of mind.
No matter. She would soon be safe by his side.

Standing, Malcolm stretched a bit, feeling his bones popping. Sometimes he felt so old. But the thrill of a new hunt, the prospect of adding fresh blood to the fold, it made him feel young again.
He went to the door and made his way towards the gym. It was time to see who else was in this group, to weed out the weak and choose the new members of The Family.

He spotted the young man, Alex he believed, waiting for him. Malcolm gave him a grave smile. "I will not be much company I'm afraid my boy. I am not sure whether to mourn my group or hope they are alive and well. False hope can hurt far worse than any physical pain. I will attempt to answer whatever questions you have for me, if you would please answer some of mind in return?" Malcolm ended on a question. He wanted to create a friendly atmosphere. If the boy decided to reply with hostility then Malcolm would play the bewildered old man and move on to the next. If he responded in a friendly tone, then Malcolm respond in kind. Being genuine in your approach got the better results from people than trying to be shifty and sullen.

[Wick]

Jenna and Haru

Haru stayed toward the back of the cafeteria watching everyone interact. He wasn't trying to be rude it was just that there wasn't anyone to really talk to since the outbreak. Finally the teenager decided to walk over to Jenna just to not look like a kill joy. He cleared his throat before speaking as if to announce his presence. "Anything I could help with?"

Jenna looked up and saw Haru offering to help. "I think that is it for dinner but I did try a new desert. Can you help in the line so I can grab it out of the oven?"

"Yeah. No problem." The young man went to work helping the little ones with their plates and keeping it moving while watching Erin. The girl seemed to be a bit confused in when to go but other than that she was fine. Once everyone was served a sigh escaped Haru's lips. "Don't know how you do it Jenna. You always cooking really good food while others seem that they can't get it right." He commented politely.

Jenna chuckled lightly. "I stumbled on it as a hidden talent of mine. I had never cooked at all and one day I just got tired of eating what other people served. So much of it was tasteless and boring. I stepped into the kitchen and poof. Apparently I had a knack for it. The messed up part about being a model who cooks better than many restaurant chef's is so much food is fattening. A little tip, mine isn't. I never gained a pound cooking for myself."

"Wait. You were a model before all this happened? I didn't know that. Then again I only know what Erin was like before all of this. How was the modeling business?" Haru asked curiously manner before backtracking his words. " That is if it's alright to talk about."
Jenna nodded. "Yes I don't mind. Last month I was on the cover of People magazine and this month I'm feeding people so we can survive in a world of flesh eating zombies. Talk about life kicking you in the teeth." She smirked. "Modelling is actually a lot harder than people think it is. So here you get to taste test." She offered him a piece of what looked like ordinary cake. It was layered so that he would get a different layer the further into the cake he got. It was like 4 cakes in one and it was good, she thought.

"I always thought that hunting was the hardest part. But that was before I met Vivian Moon and found out how wrong I was." The guy commented before starting the piece. It was almost like a gift from God in his mind. You could taste the cakes as well as the frosting all in the right blend then again he was just odd in that aspect. "If I didn't know better I would swear you were a goddess from Earth. Could you maybe teach me how to cook sometime? Or at least let me help in order to learn?" He asked.

Jenna nodded. "I'm here everyday just come in when you want to. "

Nikki and Vincent

Nikki watched the door shut and heard Alex' footsteps down the hall and she looked at Vincent. "So were you an enforcer or a hitman? or were they basically the same thing?"

"Actually I was Money Shark. I was allowed to do any means necessary in order to receive the mob's money back. On the status bar I was the low man on totem pole. I think that's the right term Americans use right?" Vincent asked. American phrases were very confusing to him since there was so many.

She looked at him. "So I am going to assume you were good at your job and that you killed a lot of people. Would that be accurate? How many did you kill would you say?"

"Yes in the beginning. I was so happy that it didn't really bother me. After a while I began losing taste for the senseless blood spill. In the end I was caught and offered a position in the army. Better then life in prison." The man explained.

Nikki was quiet for a moment. "I understand things better now. I was hoping that you weren't as bad as I had thought. You are worse. After Matt and Kat get back tomorrow I want you to leave. The others can stay but I can't have you here with such disregard for human life." Nikki held Grace, "You and Erin can stay over there on that side of the room and Grace and I will stay over here. That way we can keep up appearances for Grace's safety. But If you come near her I'll gut you."

"Alright. Erin will be coming with us. Unless you want to keep her here like a dog. Don't think I know fear inside someone's eyes. Excuse me Nikki. I have some packing to do." The man said before storming off.

Nikki's only fear was of not being able to protect Gracie. She knew she could drop him no problem but she wiped her eye of a few tears. She had not expected to find that she had been beginning to like him. There was no way she could keep him in the school with that kind of past. Hugging Gracie to her, the baby mumbled inaudibly as she was almost asleep.

collaboration between myself and @Demonic Angel

[Demonic Angel]

Collab with Demonic Angel & @alexfangtalon

Not much had been going on that day for Sadie. Other than the wedding all she did was help around the school. She did a little work in the kitchen and then assisted in the nurse's office for a bit. Once time for dinner had come around Sadie went to get her some food. However, when she got there she noticed Erin standing alone off to the side. Sadie decided she would try to talk to the girl. "Hi Erin. How has your day been?"

Erin shifted to the side as Sadie came towards her. She was uncomfortable considering that the girl was with Alex when they arrived. " Hi." The teenager said while shifting again. " It's been ok I guess. Clara is being quiet today which is unusual." She said with a small shrug.

Clara? Sadie hadn't met anyone named Clara and no one had mentioned to her about Erin's other half. "That's good. If you don't mind my asking though who is Clara?"

" Alex never told you? That's a bit of a problem. Well you see Clara is a very bad person inside of me. I don't know how to explain this but we're like Jekyll and Hyde." Erin explained best she could. " I have DID and when the monsters came my darker half was able to take control of my body."

"Alex told me and Micky that he would let you decide if you wanted us to know about your past. I guess I can understand a little bit about your issue though. I don't have DID, but I was diagnosed with Depersonalization Disorder not DID. It took the doctors a while before figuring that out and they thought I had DID at first even though the two affect the brain differently. Does Clara cause you a lot of problems?"

" Umm... I got shot in the side. When my family was gone she nearly hurt Haru. And when we arrived my leg was cut up. So yeah the darker half can be troublesome but I would have to say my half brother is more troublesome." Erin answered.

So, Erin seemed to have a bad situation going on, but there were some good points that had to of been there. "I can't say anything about how she almost hurt Haru, but if you were injured when Clara had control do you know what happened during that time? If you had been attacked what would have happened if you were in control. From what you said Clara seems like she knows how to fight, and hasn't your brother been trying to protect you?" Sadie couldn't help doing this. Trying to find a good side to everything no matter how bad it may seem.

" Yeah it's all fun and games until something goes wrong. When I was ten Clara nearly killed your brother. My Aunt Vivian was beaten up because I would hide my meds in my stuff animal and she would always get violent. Not to mention that all of this happened because of my house blowing up from a gas leak and the doctors blamed me for what happened. Look I understand that you're trying to point out the good but you can't ignore the bad. I want her to disappear. I want all of this too disappeared. I want time to rewind to where I was at home in Ireland." Tears formed inside Erin's eyes as she looked away from the child. Her heart was heavy with guilt and sadness. " Sorry kid."

Shock showed on Sadie's face at the news of what Clara almost did. Sadie didn't know what to think. All she knew was that despite what happened Alex still had considered the older teenager a friend even after the other personality tried to kill him. Sadie didn't know what to say or what to do so she proceeded to do what she always did when she saw someone in pain and hugged Erin saying, "If Alex forgives you which I know he has then it doesn't matter. You are a kind person, and please don't wish to change the past otherwise it would mean you wished you had never met anyone you had after the incident. If you do that then it will hurt their feelings."

" Alex is kind in that regard. I'm just worried that he will show what everyone else does with time." Erin shifted again before looking toward the line. It was starting to get shorter, which caused her stomach to growl, before looking toward Raven. The twin was just sitting and watching causing a shiver to run down the teenager's spine. " You should get something to eat." She said with a small smile.

"You should to. I could hear your stomach growling. You need food." Sadie looked in the direction that Erin had and saw Raven, the girls other older sibling. "We should get some for her as well. She's your family and even if family can be unbearable at times they are still family. They came all the way from Ireland didn't they?"

" I think so. I don't really know them. After my parents died I always assumed that I was an only child. Vivian never mentioned them either so it makes me wonder why. All I do know is Vincent and Raven are twins and have the same last name as I do." Erin replied before looking toward Sadie. " I haven't worked so I shouldn't be eating. I guess Clara kept ripping the stitching open or something like that because I'm on bed rest for a while."

"Which is why you should eat. When you're sick or hurt you need to stay replenished. Also the people here are kind and I'm positive that at the very least they don't want you to starve yourself." Once Sadie finished speaking she walked over to the line and got her food. She then went to go sit beside Micky who was close to the table Raven was sitting at. The young girl then smiled at Erin and Raven as the two began eating.

Erin nodded and walked up to the line. Once she got Raven's and her tray the girl walked toward the older sister. The teenager sat down beside her and started eating.

[alexfangtalon]

Alex Hill

---

Alex Hill

---

Once Alex finished talking to Nikki and Vincent he went straight to the gym to wait for Malcolm. He watched as some of the other members of the school did their workouts for the day. Once Malcolm arrived Alex extended his hand out to shake Malcolm's. "Of course. I always have believed that the exchange of information is a necessity. Especially now in this world we have found ourselves in. Would you like to sit down?" Alex asked as he gestured towards the bleachers then sat down.

"I just want to ask you a few questions so we can get to know you better. I also want to ask about your group so we can try and help find them. The first thing I want to ask is if you could tell me what you used the bullets from your last clip on, and if you remember, how many you shot? I know it's an odd question, but I felt like it had to be asked."

@Belle

[Wick]

Day 15 7pm

Nikki Hyatt and Vincent McGarth

collaboration with @Demonic Angel

Nikki had more mats brought into her room discretely for Vincent and Erin. Blankets too. She had the baby's bed made up and she was already in it. James was sitting outside the door so she posted him there with orders that no one gets in or out but her. She locked the door just to make sure. She also said that if Malcolm asked she and Vincent were the baby's parents. He looked at her oddly when she said that. "Don't ask ok? I'm not really in much of a talkative mood." She peaked once more in the small window to see the baby sleeping peacefully. She tapped her walkie and he nodded.

Nikki had always assumed she would have all the things that most normal women wanted, family, a nice house and a little extra money to take a vacation with sometimes. And in her case dancing... She was becoming more and more positive that she was supposed to end up alone in this new world. This brought more and more frustration to the surface for her. She went to the gym. It was dark and no one was there. She flipped the lights and ran hard into a gymnastics flipping routine that the gymnasts used in the Olympics. She reached the end and twisted into a reverse double and switched directions. It was hard to switch directions and not collide with anything or miss your footing. It took all of her focus to concentrate on what she was doing.

Vincent grumble under his breath as he walked down the hallway. The man was trying to think of a way to stay inside the school as well making their little story look real. One way was if they would share a bed. Another was placing Erin in Raven's room. This caused concern for the older brother mainly because the family members would be split a part once again. But for what Nikki wanted to do these were some changes that would placed at once. He turned the corner and walked inside the gym. The guy looked up to see the leader doing what seemed to be a flip, as if he was in a trance, before lightly clapping at the event.

Nikki was at the end of the run. She only heard the clapping after she stopped. She realized she wasn't keeping herself in quite as good a shape as she thought since the routine seemed to be making her shorter of breath than it should have. She looked over and saw Vincent. She smiled and said, "Thanks. Look, I don't want you to think that I hate you or anything. I don't. Your past is just really hard to overlook."

"Only if you don't try. Anyway I'm not here to talk about that or at least yet. I was thinking on how we could look more like a couple while Malcolm is here. First involves sharing a bed. Meaning Erin will be inside Raven's room. Another is we could disappear for everyone's sight for so long. As if we are on a date." Vincent said as he folded his arms.

Nikki listened as he spoke and she smiled a little bit. "Okay Erin in Raven's room I agree with. For all anyone knows we could be on a date right now." She crossed her arms in front of her. "Sharing a bed...it's a small bed so we would be right up against each other. Can you control yourself?" She grinned teasing him a little.

"Well since my bed partner will be a very good looking female the answer is maybe. Besides Raven would kill me if I did something that you didn't want to do." the guy calmly commented. It was true. His sister had yelled at him several times for upsetting his girlfriend in public. Though the worst thing was it was always her friends. " Can you?"

Nikki grinned and released her arms from their defensive position and said "Well I guess I had better be strong enough for the both of us." Nikki saw Alex enter the gym. He was supposed to be meeting Malcolm in there. Nikki decided to take a chance when she saw the door start to open. She raised her arms around Vincent and gave him a kiss that could melt his kneecaps off. She whispered into his ear afterwards. "Alex is here and Malcolm should be any moment." She pulled away slowly from him and grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the gym with her.

"Sorry I didn't give you any warning. I thought Malcolm was coming through the door."

Vincent was taken by surprise when Nikki seemed to counter her words. The kiss caused his mind to turn blank, which caused him to miss his chance to kiss back. He really liked this woman's style. The guy shook his head as the leader pulled him out of the gym hand in hand. " Too bad he didn't. The kiss just caught me off guard was all. I'll put an I owe you on this one." he said in a joking matter. " I guess the man will be staying for a while."

Nikki nodded, "He will be here til my brother and Kat get back so she can make the call. We are just doing this to give her the chance to make that decision. I won't put Grace in danger for anything or anyone."

Nikki didn't let go of his hand as they walked through the halls together. She turned them into a stairwell so they could sit and talk. After sitting down on one of the stairs. "I used to dream of a normal life you know? Family, kids, nice house the works. Now...I'll be lucky not to get eaten and turned into one of those things. Living to be old doesn't seem as likely as it did three weeks ago. Let alone having the dream most people have."

Nikki looked down at her hands and realized she was still holding his hand and she slid it out of his. "Oh, sorry."

"I always thought that I would stay in the army. I really enjoyed helping defend my home from enemies. As for marriage, family, and a normal life I never wanted those. I was hated by my mother due to her mistake in life, my father wrote letters to me when I was little for a little bit, and I don't really know what normal families do." The guy said with a small frown. He liked the fact Nikki was holding his hand for some strange reason yet he was also a little upset she had released the connection. So the man placed both if his into his pockets. " You don't have to be sorry Nikki. I don't mind it."

"I grew up in a normal family. Older brother who protected and teased me, mom and dad who loved each other. We went on family vacations every year. My mom and dad supported everything we ever did. The only way I could ever have not had a family would have been if I were a full time dancer but...I think I still would have had a family. I worry now that I'll never get a chance to."

Nikki looked at her watch. It was almost 9pm. "Well, you want to go to bed? I'm getting tired and Gracie gets up early." She looked at him.

" Best we do. Lately Clara has been sneaking out by herself. I want to see if I can stop her this time." Vincent said before hiding a yawn. He grabbed Nikki's hand gently then walked toward her bedroom with a grin upon his face.

Nikki let him lead her to "their" room and she unlocked the door and ignored the shocked look on James' face. Nikki went in and immediately checked on the baby. After making sure she was ok Nikki stepped behind the divider to change and came out in a long T-shirt that barely covered her panties. She locked the door and put the cardboard over the small window. There was privacy and then there was privacy and she didn't want James staring all night either.

She climbed into bed and scooted over as far as she could without falling off. She smirked. He was going to be right up on her like it or not.

Vincent raised an eyebrow before taking off his shirt and pants then carefully laying behind Nikki. " Maybe this wasn't the best idea. Please God don't let me get beaten up tomorrow morning." he quietly prayed. " Goodnight Nikki."

Nikki smirked in the dark when he spooned her. She grabbed his arm and pulled it over the covers. "Night Vincent."

@belle

[Belle]

@alexfangtalon
Malcolm sat gratefully. This young man seemed to have potential.
"I appreciate your help. You have a very nice nature about you," Malcolm complimented and then thought for several moments. "I'm not quite certain... the attack was so sudden, you understand. I believe... I believe there were three bullets left in my gun, and that was after exhausting my other gun. I dropped it somewhere along the street near here. Maybe someone can find it."

Malcolm smiled faintly when asked about his group. "We call our group The Family, because that is how we veiw ourselves : as a family brought together and made stronger by tragedy. They appointed me as leader, but between us I can't help feeling it was a mistake," Malcolm leaned foward, covering his face with his hands. "I tried to take care of them and I failed. I trusted the brutes who forced us from our home. If my family is dead I will never stop blaming myself," he looked up at Alex. "I know your leader, the girl Nikki wasn't it? I know she doesn't trust me. There is no reason for her to. But if you could in some way convince her to let me go along to try and find whatever is left of The Family, I would be forever grateful. Perhaps we could even merge our groups. I am very much afraid that now they have taken our home, the monsters that attacked us might come here next."

~~~~~~~~~~

Gracie rubbed her eyes as she woke. "Kiki!" she called, looking around for Nikki. "Kiki! Kikikikikikikiki!"
Moving to the edge of the bed, she turned and fumble-climbed her way down onto the floor. She tried to walk but fell back on her bottom. Moving forward into a crawl, she crawled her way across the floor towards Nikki and Vincent's bed.

[Wick]

Nikki Hyatt

Nikki threw the covers back and climbed over Vincent like the building was on fire accidentally hitting him in a vulnerable place or two. She got to the floor just in time to get the little one.

"Hey Punkin! Auntie Nikki is here. You are okay." She scooped the baby up and kissed her silly and the little one felt secure again so after about fifteen minutes or so Nikki was able to put her back in her bed.

She looked at Vincent who was now groaning. "Sorry." She hadn't meant to injure the poor sleeping man. She grimaced at the sound. She went back over to the bed and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"I think I'll let you take the bed. I'll take the mats." She went over to the mats and piled 6 of them on top of each other. They were more comfortable than the bare floor. She grabbed her coat to cover up with. She looked up at the baby and smiled.

@Demonic Angel

[alexfangtalon]

Alex Hill

---

Alex Hill

---

Malcolm's answer to the odd question about the gun could be interpreted in many ways. The main possibility at the time though was that he was telling the truth, and he was a somewhat normal person in terms of desire to live. It could also mean he was lying, but that was highly unlikely when it came to this issue.

Once Malcolm finished speaking, Alex spoke again. "If they made you the leader it was for a reason. Those who are chosen are always far better than those who force it upon others. That is how I see things in regards to leadership. I do think that doubting the decision makes things worse. The person doubts their decisions and therefore end up second guessing themselves more than they ought to which results in bad decisions.

Also, yes, Nikki doesn't trust you, but I must say neither do I. Even before everything happened with the dead I had trouble trusting people. However, I think Nikki will be alright with you coming along as I was already going to push the thought. I need to keep my eyes on you, and we need someone to guide us to your basecamp. To the possibility of merging our groups, that is not my decision. I will end up speaking to each of your people separately to get an opinion on them though. Now, I would like to know about these 'brutes'. Do you have any idea of how many there were? Also, how many of your people were there before you got separated?" Alex needed to get an idea of these two groups he hadn't met yet when he suddenly thought of something else, "You said you trusted the brutes. What did they say to you?"

@Belle

[Belle]

"I wish I had your confidence. Maybe I would have lead my family better. As for the brutes," Malcolm answered, his face turning grim. "They claimed they wanted to join The Family, that they wanted to make us stronger and protect us. But they were just lying to get in our good graces. The moment we allowed them into our home, they took over and forced us out. The ones they deemed 'useless', whoever would not join them. Men... women... children..." Malcolm said through gritted teeth.

"There were around twelve of us, those who survived the first few days on our own without supplies. A pregnant woman, she died first. The stress was too much for her. She took her own life. Nancy... oh god Nancy..." he shuddered, as though reliving the memory. "Tom, her husband, blamed me. I blamed myself. He took his daughter and several others and left. Then Brenda, an older woman close to my age died from heat stroke and dehydration. There were two men, two women and a teenage boy left along with myself when we were attacked by a mob of the undead. The boy... he was barely fifteen and so very scared. He panicked and ran. I doubt he survived," Malcolm added in a low, very grieved voice. "That boy had potential. He was a nervous sort, but smarter than most men I've known when it came to machines.'

Anyone hearing this would be struck to the heart by the tenderness in which Malcolm spoke. No one could have guessed that he didn't mean a word of it. All of the people he spoke so fondly of did not, nor had ever existed. The best thing to do as far as acting was to create a world for yourself that even you could believe in. Malcolm had no doubt that if he were in Alex' place he would have believed the crap coming out of his mouth.
They would find a gun and several dead mangled corpses of newly dead people once they searched, that would seem to back up his statements, planted there by him and the others. The story of taking over and forcing people out of their home was true, and it was true that Malcolm was the leader, but he had been on the other end of things. He was not a monster though. He had given the women and children a place and protection in his base. The men that did not join him had been fed to the walkers while the sick and ones who were not worth saving were cast out to make their own way into the world. He had given them supplies to last a few days to be fair.

[alexfangtalon]

Alex Hill

---

Alex Hill

---

Something felt off to Alex. For the first time in his life he felt as though he was missing something. Alex could not place it, but he knew if he paused for to long he would look suspicious. "I wouldn't necessarily chalk it up to confidence. I see the world in a matter-of-fact sort a way, so things like this come easy to me." The spiel that Malcolm gave didn't affect Alex at all. Whether the people Malcolm mentioned were alive or not didn't matter to Alex. He just didn't care. Still Alex had to now put on a show of his own.

"Malcolm, I'm sorry for your lose, but neither of us has the luxury to think on those who died. If it helps you don't need to mention the dead members again. However, I need you to tell me how many brutes there were, and the names of your people who were still alive. Giving up on people before you see the body is useless and dangerous to that individual. If the brutes caused harm to your group then the best thing to do is to figure out how to get justice for what happened. Grieving also makes it harder to keep the living alive." Something in Alex's mind was sending red flares all over the place. Alex couldn't place it though. All it was at this point was a gut feeling, and he hated going purely off of a gut feeling.

For now Alex had no choice but to believe the man's story. If it wasn't true then the best way to trick someone into letting up their guard is by convincing them you are on their side. At this point Alex hoped it really was true though. Either way Alex decided to try ending this conversation so he could think over everything, "Hey, it's about time for dinner. You should get some food and rest more. We will have a long day tomorrow." Definitely not the best way to end the conversation, but Alex needed to make it seem like he cared about this man and his group.

@Belle

[Wick]

Nikki and Vincent

collaboration with @Demonic Angel

Vincent heard the child cry. His eyes fluttered opened only to feel Nikki beating him to the punch. She didn't seem to notice that he was scrolled out a little. The man grunted as his lower half was hit, forcing him to curl up in a ball, only to get hit in the shoulder. He wasn't mad or upset. The guy thought it was rather awesome in a way. Like the young woman would make an excellent mother one day. After the leader apologized the Irish man waved his hand. " It's no big deal. I'm just glad you were able to get to Gracie in time."

He frowned when Nikki said that the bed was all his. For some reason Vincent felt better if they were in the same place, as if it was destiny or something weird like that. He shifted out of bed, grabbing the blankets before walking toward the mats, he covered the leader up then laid next to her. " There. That's better." the man said giving her a kiss on the cheek without thinking. Instantly he froze.

Nikki smiled in the dark. She closed her eyes and snuggled back against him. "You are warm." She murmured. She pulled the covers up around her neck and folded them down just a little. Within a few minutes Nikki was asleep.

She was dreaming that same dream again. It was about that first day. Seeing her mother being eaten and having to put her and her neighbor down. How she had felt having to figure out how to kill dead people and blood...lots and lots of blood. Blood on her future as it died. Nolan's blood. Her father who never made it home's blood. The worst was her fear of something happening to Gracie. In her dream baby Grace turned into a crawling dead baby covered in blood. It was at this point that she woke up gasping for air and sat up shaking hard. She looked at the baby next to her in her little bed. Nikki couldn't help the tears as they silently rolled down her face.

" Are you okay Nikki?" Vincent asked in a concerned voice as he sat up. It was the shaking inside his arms that had awoken him. Then again the guy had always been a light sleeper from childhood. His hand went to her shoulder as he pulled her close into a hug. " It's okay. Everything will be alright. Do you want to talk it over tonight or tomorrow?"

Nikki wiped her tears and buried her face in his chest. She nodded and propped her arm up. "I've been having a dream everynight for the last week or so. Since Eric died he is now in it too. I keep seeing the video of his head getting blown off and now Gracie gets turned in my dream." Nikki shoved her hair back out of her face. "If something happens to her I...."
A thought ocurred to her, "Didn't you say that Clara was sneaking out? Why don't you ask James to sit outside her door overnight. That way we'll know if she tries." Nikki at that moment looks more like a scared young woman verses a fierce leader.

The man thought for a second before speaking. " I don't think anything will happen to the child. Because she has a beautifully strong protector. It understandable to be scared of the future Nikki but there always says to protect those you love. As for Clara I would rather take care of this on my own." he stated in a serious voice. " Not that I don't appreciate the offer. I would feel better if James stayed near you and Gracie. At least until Malcolm leaves."

Nikki looked at him and got out of their makeshift bed and grabbed her coat putting it on. She opened the door and told James "Clara/Erin is sneaking out at night. I need you to make sure she is followed if she gets out and if she just tries but doesnt' leave call me ok? Take another guy with you. With Vincent inside with me we will be fine." James nodded and left. She heard on the walkie as he called Darius to go with him.

Nikki came back into the room locking and shutting the door. "You are just gonna have ESP tell you from in here? If she is leaving I need to keep an eye on her for her own safety." She crawled back into bed with him and snuggled up against his chest. She inhaled and his scent made her smile.

" It feels more like a rebellion for a teenager so I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Vivian was the one to raise her after our father's death." Vincent said as he hugged Nikki closer. His heart rate seemed to have quickened the second the woman crawled back into the make shifted bed. The guy felt calm with her around for some odd reason. As if the world would fix itself just like it had because undone so suddenly. " Thank you for the help Nikki." he said sincerely.

Nikki lifted her face upwards and found herself staring at his lips. "You are welcome.I wouldn't want my sister running around out there at night." Nikki's heart was beating hard and she knew why. She felt so comfortable with him and she shouldn't. She kept telling herself that but it wasn't doing her any good. She licked her lips subconsciously and she kissed his neck softly.

Vincent was surprised when he felt something on his lips. In a way he knew it was Nikki but yet he wasn't quite sure. Only when she kissed his neck was the man truly sure. This moment felt perfect yet when eventually this moment would end. A soft chuckle escaped his lips at the thought of them actually having a future and a child. But there was also fear inside the image which made the man not want to do anything. " I do believe that my control is weakening. So I apologize now." the man said before lifting the woman's head up for a passionate kiss.

Nikki smiled as his lips devoured hers passionately. If her brain were still capable of coherent thought she might have been thinking that it was a good thing that she still was on her birth control pills.

Nikki's hands began to roam and she pulled him to her. Vincent was not resisting her at all. Nikki chuckled at his apology and said "me too." Her heart was confused but she knew what her body wanted. He felt like he was supposed to be right where he was. She knew in their old lives it wouln't have worked because he didn't want a family and she did. Nikki took everything he had to give and she wanted the fairy tale too but since that wasn't an option she wanted right now.

Vincent felt Nikki's hands roam and shiver worked itself in his body. All he wanted was for this life to last forever. This moment never to fade into black. Never to leave this woman's side. The man kissed down her neck as he slowly removed the last article of clothing he had on. Right at this moment he knew all he wanted was Nikki, as if she was something he couldn't live without, or something that was missing from his life. The man tried his best to please her throughout the night. When morning came they could hear someone cursing in Irish, which most likely would have awakened them, if one wasn't already up with Gracie. " When will Clara learn that we are doing this for her own good?" he mumbled.

Nikki woke up smiling and even hearing the cursing didn't phase her good mood. She pulled Vincent to her for a kiss and smiled. "At least she is here and not dead out there somewhere."

Nikki jumped up and grabbed her clothes and slid them on so she could pick up Gracie who was waking up in such an adorable mood. Nikki picked her up and kissed her and tickled her till she was screeching with laughter. She told Gracie, "Don't look at Vincent. He isn't dressed yet." She played peak a boo with her and sang some of the baby songs that Kat sang to her all the time as she changed her diaper and clothes.

Nikki wondered if Vincent thought she was crazy. She smiled and put her boots on. Grabbing her brush she ran it through her hair. She grabbed her coat and put it on and loaded it up with her usual goodies guns, mags and knives. She left her sword in the room because she wasn't intending to leave the building. If that changed she would grab it later. Picking up a clean bottle she grabbed Gracie and followed Vincent into the hall.

The man couldn't help but watch Nikki getting dressed with a grin upon his face. " True but now she will be mad at you. Mainly because you stopped her from going." he stated as he grabbed his clothes. The guy was sure to hurry while the woman took care of Gracie. Once finished he watched as Nikki gathered everything before they headed out. Vincent was happy that she still held on to her smile. The emotion suited the woman much better than what she showed last night yet he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

" What was with you two standing outside? Did Vincent put you up to this or Nikki?" anger clearly showed on the teenager's face forcing him to lower the smile. " Calm down Clara. I think it's about time that we talked about your nightly routine. Thank you both for watching my sister." the guy said in Irish and then turned the final sentence into English. " And why would I do that? What I do is my business. What you do is yours. So butt out of Erin's life." the sister snarled.

"Morning Clara, If you are sneaking out at night it is my responsibility to either send someone with you or to stop you. Aren't you supposed to be the stronger personality? The one to protect Erin? If so, you are doing a piss pour job of it. You keep getting her hurt. I think if YOU care about her you should stay put and keep her safe. Until that happens there will be guards outside your room. Let's go eat some breakfast." Nikki said still smiling and playing with Grace

Clara scoffed. " What are you? Her mother? Her Aunt? Or even the cousin the she killed? Come on now Nikki. Stop playing the caring Vivian and speak the truth. You don't even want Erin here. She scares everyone around her which in the end will be the one thing that is on everyone's mind." before she could rant more her mouth was covered by Vincent. " That's enough Clara. Stop it. Nikki has a point as did Vivian. Besides I don't believe Erin could do such a thing. Not from what I've seen. You just don't like Nikki because she reminds you of Vivian." the man said before getting his hand bitten.

The darker half stuck her tongue out at them before running off ahead. " At times I wonder if she slips the information on purpose. As if the darker half is trying to help in her own way yet also staying for away from others." he sighed before changing the subject. " Let's go eat before everyone else worries about us."

[Wick]

Jenna and Jon

Collaboration with @Kurai Assassin

Jenna was serving breakfast and wondering what was going to happen when Kat got back. Nikki had said that she hated her dad but that Kat had never said why. All she knew was that if he asked about Grace she was Nikki and Vincent's baby. She had almost laughed at that. Jenna had grinned at James and said, "Seriously? She said that?" When he had replied she smiled and agreed to do it.

Jenna looked up as the line dwindled and she looked at Kat's dad from across the room and she could see the violence in him. She couldn't describe it exactly. Call it intuition. She didn't trust him.

Jon stood from the table of nights watchmen and made his way over to Jenna. "So, what have you made today Jen." he said before he noticed that she had a small grin on her face. "Okay, whats going on? I know that look." he said leaning over the counter.

Jenna smiled at him and pulled him close and kissed him and she pointed out Kat's dad. "His name is Malcolm and he is not trusted by anyone yet. He just puts out bad vibes. Kat and Matt get home today and Nikki has had Gracie. She has apparently told everyone that if he were to ask that Gracie is hers and Vincent's." Jenna almost laughed out loud. "Nikki and Vincent nearly killed each other last week. How did he suddenly become close enough to her that he is staying in her room to pull off this charade?"

Jon smiled at Jenna. "You know your real cute when you do that right?" he said as he put his arm around her. "Must be a real prick if Kat hates him. Kat likes everyone. So whats the game plan with this guy? are we gonna do something or are we just gonna stand aside and let things unfold?"

"I think we should just watch unless called in to help with something. I do agree with Nikki on this. She said Kat shuts down when it comes to her dad and that 'she hates him' is an understatement. I think it would have to be bad but Nikki doesn't know anything else about it. She is determined that him knowing about Grace has to be Kat's decision. Nikki is respecting Kat's decisions as a mother and I think that is wonderful even if it does pair her with oddball Vincent. James said Vincent was a hitman or something. It's hard to picture him and Nikki together."

Jenna looked at Jon and said "Aren't you glad our lives are so much less complicated?" She grinned at his chuckle and kissed him.

@belle

[Belle]

Malcolm nodded. "I agree. I would greatly appreciate some food and rest. I hope that tomorrow perhaps we can go out and try to find my people, if they are alive, and perhaps my other gun. Weapons are important in this new world."

Following the young man out, Malcolm's eyes darted around noting every room, every window, every door, every hallway and set of stairs. This school was not overly large but it was not small either. A rather perfect place to live during the apacolypse. He wondered if there were any children here, little boys and girls who needed to be raised and trained correctly. He had started too late with Kat, but maybe this would be a time to rectify that past mistake.

The next morning the cafeteria was quite busy. Breakfast was being served by a lovely young woman whom Malcolm gave his most charming smile to. She would be a nice addition to the family, if only for cooking and breeding purposes. He would have to make sure she was protected from the more... forceful of his men.

Soon his daughter would arrive. His precious Kitty. All grown up. But grown up was a good thing. A grown woman could handle things that younger girls couldn't. His fingers flexed, anticipating having her in his hands again. He had missed her.
This 'husband' though... he would be dealt with. He required punishment for touching his Kitty. Malcolm quite sat eating his breakfast, looking quite content as he imagined the many gruesome ways his daughter's husband could be dealt with.

[Wick]

Kat Matt Nikki Vincent Alex Clara

Collaboration with @Belle@Alexfangtalon@Demonic Angel@Wick

Nikki was playing with Gracie when she heard Matt's voice over the walkie. They were back and he sounded so very happy it made Nikki smile. He deserved to be happy and so did Kat. Then James said something that would change them all forever. "Hey Matt, tell Kat her Dad is here."

Kat was itching to see her baby. It wasn't that she didn't trust Nikki, it was that she had missed her so much. Sure it was nice to have Mommy-Daddy time, but she couldn't wait to see Grace and kissed those little cheeks-
The words that came over the walkie made her blood turn to ice. Her... father...?
For several seconds neither of them moved, then Kat nearly screamed and raced for the door. Matt beat her to it, slamming the doors open first. Kat was right on his heels, going straight for her baby. Taking her from Nikki she cuddled her close, her whole body shaking with rage and morbid fear.

Nikki could hear a commotion over the walkie and she grabbed Vincent's hand and ran to the front of the school just as her brother came through the doors. Grace saw her Daddy and yelled "Dadadadadada!" Matt looked at his baby searching for any signs of harm. Seeing none he asked Nikki. "Where is he?" James said "He thinks Grace is Nikki and Vincent's daughter so he hasn't been near Grace. She has been guarded the whole time." That seemed to make him less tense by only a fraction. "I'll get him." James ran off into the cafeteria.

Vincent was just watching Nikki interact with the baby with a smile before he felt the mood change in the air. The commotion displayed from the walkie caused the man to loss his smile. The guy wondered why Matt sounded angry but then again it wasn't technically his problem. He felt Nikki's hand grasp his and worry began it fill his heart. The older brother didn't resist as she lead him to the married couple because in a way he wanted to stay by her side. He kept quiet until James left before speaking. " Malcolm hasn't been near your daughter Matt. I was keeping guard." he said calmly.

Alex was sitting out in the parking lot contemplating the various facts over in his head when he noticed a commotion at the front of the building. Alex stood back noticing the seething rage in Matt's eyes. He knew what it was because he had that rage before.

Nikki looked at Kat and took Gracie to her. "She is fine, I never let him near her. I could only remember that you hated your dad. I figured you should make the decision as to whether or not he knows her. Why do you hate him so much?"

Matt looked at the older man that entered the large hallway. "Why does she hate him so much?" Nikki watched her brother turn a new shade of red for him. "Matt calm down." "NO! Nikki I won't calm down! You let this man in here and he is a murdering, beating, child rapist!" Nikki looked at Malcolm who was staring at Kat and Gracie with an odd look of hunger. His eyes had taken on this crazy look. Nikki wanted to hurt him. Matt's adrenaline kicked in when he saw the way Malcolm was looking at Kat and Gracie.

The face of evil never changed. He looked nearly the same, just older, more like a buzzard circling prey, ready to rip apart and devour. The way he looked at her made her skin crawl, but when he gaze shifted to Grace and the light dawned that he had a grandchild... she had never felt more scared in her life.
"No!" she screamed, trying to cover Grace from his view. Tears rolled liberally down her cheeks. She was 16 again and being raped by him nearly every night. Her memory regressed. Crumpling down to her knees, she cuddled her screaming daughter to her while people shouted around her. She couldn't understand what was happening and she didn't want to. She curled into a ball against the wall, rocking and keeping her eyes tightly closed.

" She didn't know Matt. If Nikki would have known than I'm sure that she would have never let the man inside in the first place." the man calmly said. Once Malcolm was brought the older brother saw the darker half following behind. He was about to tell Clara to get back inside only to note the familiar look inside Matt's eyes. One that many of the men inside the mob shared when one of their brothers were killed. Revenge. He slowly moved in front of Nikki in order to protect her. The only thing they could do now was let the man release it out of his system.

All of the commotion brought most of the people eating in the cafeteria out to see what was going on. Matt's first punch hit the man squarely on the jaw sending the man flying backwards off of his feet. Matt wanted to make this hurt. He looked at his wife's face as angry and scared tears rolled down her cheeks and she gripped the baby so close that Grace shrieked at her. As the man got to his feet Matt went in for the second hit but the old man was ready this time and he ducked Matt's blow and he got in a good shot to the gut. It only made Matt laugh. "I'm Navy sargent Matt Hyatt and I am your daughter's husband and now I'm going to kill you for what you did to her."

Matt pounded on the older man with a combo that bounced him off of the wall and onto the floor. Like many abusers he could dish it out but he couldn't take it if handed back by someone who knew how to fight. Couple knowing how to fight with Matt's physique and strength and fighting back was futile. Malcolm decided to use most of his last moments staring at Kat. James stood in front of Kat so she wasn't in his line of sight anymore. Nikki looked at Vincent who was watching Matt with an intensity that was very interesting to her.

Vincent watched intensely. The main reason was so he could get Nikki and Clara out of the way if the need arose. So far they were keeping away, which the man felt his muscles relax, the question was would Matt ever truly get this out of his system. The facts that was said were too much to keep all emotions in check. Not to mention that the guilt of not being there would always linger inside his heart. But they were a strong couple with a loving child so there was a chance that all of this would heal.

Sadie and Micky walked out of the cafeteria to see the chaos like man of the others. What was seen was a man brutally beating another to death. When Alex noticed his sister and brother were standing there watching he gestured to them to leave, but they were both to scared to move.

Matt was rather scary at the moment. Kat's dad was on the floor and when the man tried to stand up Matt kicked him hard in the knee and watched him fall as his leg broke. Matt walked over to the front door and as the light was leaving the old man's eyes Matt brought a baseball bat down on his skull with all the force of a wrecking ball. The sound of the man's skull cracking and the resounding squish made everyone cringe a little.

When Matt turned around he shoved his hair back out of his eyes and he walked up to his sister. "I didn't know Matt." She had never seen him this angry before.

Matt's eyes went to Vincent next. "You, hitman for the mob. I want you out of here." Nikki stepped between him and Vincent. "Matt! I...he helped us. He pretended to be Grace's father to help keep my cover." The look on Matt's face was one that couldn't believe she just said that. "Did you fuck him?" Nikki looked up at her brother. "You have no right to ....." Matt interupted her. "I have EVERY right! You are MY sister!"

" Seriously? Why don't you tell Erin to beat it since she has killed? If you love your sister then butt out of her life moron. Touch a hair on either twin Matt and you will know the fear of God. Vincent isn't going anywhere since Erin wants him around." Clara said out loud. She walked, stopping in front of Nikki. " Now are we going to back the fuck off or do I have to show you what violence truly is?" the teenager said shoving him back.

Matt started towards Clara. With that Nikki realized her brother was out of his mind and she told Vincent "Go! Go now! Take Clara with you." She only glanced at him for a second but Matt had started to advance on him. She pulled her gun and a mag out of her pocket and handed them to Vincent. She pushed Clara behind her and yelled. "Go, be safe."

Vincent didn't want to leave but he could see no choice. He quickly picked up Clara and ran into the high school, yelling for Raven to get Haru and their things quickly, before all four rushed outside and away from the high school. He knew that he would get Nikki back one way or another. Whatever it takes.

Suddenly it was over. All of the screaming stopped. Kat cautiously opened her eyes to see her father's lifeless body. She stared at his eyes, waiting for him to suddenly stand and come at her.
But he didn't move. He would never move again.
Evil had finally died.

Nikki had never fought against her brother since the time they sparred and she kicked his butt royally. That was years ago. Nikki blocked his hits as he tried to get to Vincent and Clara. After he left Matt stopped advancing on her. He calmed down a little. He heard Gracie crying and Kat soothing her. Kat was staring at the body of her father. The pain on her face made Matt turn around and he slapped Nikki HARD across the face. All Nikki felt was a stinging that whipped her head around so fast that she lost her balance and fell into the wall. It took her a moment and she got up and went into the kitchen for ice.

Kat stared at the bloody pulp that had been her father but her attention jerked away at the sound of a hard slap. Nikki hit the wall and Kat jumped up.
"Kiki!" Grace screamed and started crying harder. Everyone was mad and she didn't know why.
Kat stared at Matt like she had never seen him before. Tear her father to shreds yes, but to smack his sister so hard she had hit the wall? It was scarily familiar.

Darius and James took Kat's father's body outside and tossed him over the fence.

Alex stood watching everything unfurl. He didn't waver or flinch. He wasn't scared; he was mad. At this point Matt posed a problem. Anyone who got angry and couldn't hold it in was a danger to everyone around them. Once Nikki was gone and the body of Malcolm disposed Alex walked up to Matt with his hand ready on his Tanto. "Alright, everyone who is squemish after seeing that horrendous display of controlling ones anger should go back inside now." He said while emphasing now to his siblings by staring right at them.

Once the people of the group who felt ill at just the thought of what just occurred were gone Alex said, "Matt. I respect that you fought for our country. I respect that as Nikki's brother you have some say in her life. I also respect that you 'think' by killing Malcolm in front of your wife and child you were doing good. However, what you just did was utterly stupid. Killing the man in front of everyone just shows you lack control. What are they gonna think the next time you get angry. Also slapping your sister. That just makes people doubt you as a person. Also if you can't learn to control your anger, then you yourself are a risk to those you care about."

Matt looked at Alex and turned away putting his arm around Kat and Gracie and urging them upstairs.

Kat flinched when Matt came towards them but allowed him to lead them upstairs. Once they reached the room and were safely inside she cuddled a crying Gracie, trying to soothe her while staring at Matt. She had never seen such a violent side to him before. It terrified her. What would happen if she made him angry in the future? What if Gracie made him angry? Would he strike either of them like he had struck his sister?
For the first time, Kat was truly scared of her husband.

@Kurai Assassin

[Wick]

Nikki Hyatt

Nikki walked unsteadily into the cafeteria and went towards the kitchen where Jon and Jenna had been just a few minutes before. She walked into the cooler and placed a couple packs of peas on her face. She sat on a bucket in there and leaned her head back. She saw the entire thing play out in her head and she realized she quite possibly lost her brother and she had no idea where Vincent would go. She wiped her tears and put the peas on the shelf where she had gotten them. She got up and headed for the gym. Once she got there she realized she was too worn out to work out. She went back to her room. James looked up and saw her face and became angry. He hugged Nikki. "I'm so sorry."

Matt took Kat and Grace upstairs. "I lost control of myself. All I could see was him hurting you. I need to go down to the gym to make sure that I wear off this adrenaline." He looked at her eyes and he could see the fear. "Baby, I'm so sorry. I never meant to scare you. I have never lost it like that before. I also need to find Nikki." He sighed and closed his eyes for a second. "Oh man I fucked up bad." He kissed her forehead and walked out of their room.

Matt went to the gym and wore himself out on the bags and when the adrenaline had worn off he went by Nikki's room. James was sitting outside of her room and when he saw Matt he stood up and punched him in the face. "That's for what you did to your sister and if you touch her again I'll kill you." Matt just stood there and took the punishment. "Good someone should look out for her. I sure as hell didn't today. Man, I lost it, I lost it bigtime." "yeah, you did." James knocked on her door. "Nikki, Matt wants to talk to you." "Let him in."

Matt walked into Nikki's room and when he saw her face he was speechless. He couldn't believe he had done that to her. "Nikki ....I'm so sorry!" She took off her coat and showed him the bruises he had left on her arms.

"Really? I'm not the only one you should apologize to. There are 4 people trying to find a safe place to stay that you kicked out because you were on some kind of stupid power trip and decided you knew best. I had to protect a 17 year old girl from YOU! That girl hates me but she stood up to you about minding your own business. YOU have no say in who I sleep with or don't sleep with! I am not a whore! I've only been with Nolan for five years, Eric and Vincent...EVER! Eric was a rebound guy because Nolan cheated on me and Eric was there and more than willing and he got himself killed two days later. Vincent I really care about and you sent him out there with next to nothing to defend themselves with. You don't get an opinion on my personal life anymore."

Nikki put her coat on, grabbed another gun and filled up on ammo. "Nu uh, you don't get to apologize and hope it all goes away. Did you notice how scared your wife currently is of you?" She turned around as she grabbed her sword down. "Where are you going?" "To find them." Nikki walked out of her room, down the hall and right out the front door. She looked for anything to tell her what direction they had gone or a small safe spot where they might be for a little while.

8pm Day 16

Several hours later Nikki came back exhausted, sore and alone. Darius let her in and she went to her room and grabbed her vodka and went up on the roof for a while. Before she was so drunk that others would notice she walked to The Monster and climbed into the back of it. She figured she was safe enough. There were fences and guards so the dead were unlikely to get in. She sat in the bed of the truck and drank. She was worried about Vincent, Raven and the kids. She passed out in the bed of the truck. She vaguely felt someone carrying her at one point. In her stupor she assumed it was Matthew bringing her inside. "Matt, you are an asshole." She said slurring her words greatly.

@Demonic Angel@Belle