AN: So I really love TWD and I love Rick even with all his crazy. This is my take on what would stay the same or change if he had someone to truly have his back. It will eventually become a RG/OC story. I love Michonne don't get me wrong but I was never a Richonne shipper, just never could see it (sorry if that's your OTP). These chapters are not beta'd so I apologize for any mistakes. If someone would like to beta this story for me let me know I could always use the extra eyes and someone to make sure I stay on track. Now enough babbling from me... Happy Reading, Please let me know what you think!


He walked through the makeshift camp carefully; ignoring the logical part of his brain, he let hope drive him through the abandoned cars toward the gas station. He was not stupid, he knew that these cars, tents and tarps were not here because people chose to leave the fuel giving up their search for a safe haven. Still the optimistic part of him; the part that said he had already cheated death, was telling him that nothing was gained by not trying.

Seeing what the world had become while he laid in a hospital bed, a coma keeping him unaware of the madness that had broken loose, he knew that his life was a miracle. While others perished to some unknown disease he remained safe behind a door only protected by a gurney. No; there had to be a reason he lived through a gun shot wound, an unmonitored coma for who knows how many days, and the threat of the dead just outside his door as he lay unresponsive.

Waking, disoriented, into the hell the world had become he felt panic and desperation. Finding his home empty, with no sign as to his wife and son's whereabouts, those emotions increased tenfold. Wondering if this could be a horrific nightmare he broke down begging himself to wake up, for this to not be real. Drained of energy both mentally and physically, his body still recovering, he must have passed out.

When he woke the second time he knew this was not simply a nightmare and he was unsure what to do about the new reality he found himself in. He staggered outside, his mind still expecting the world to be normal, hoping to find someone to help him understand. He found someone but not in the manner he had expected. He was shocked to see a man point blank shoot another in the head. Before he could react with anything more than shock he had been bashed in the head and knocked out cold.

Almost two weeks had passed since Morgan had threatened him and subsequently explained the new world. He wanted to set out immediately in search of his family, but was forced to acknowledge his need for further recovery.

The area was eerily quiet as he took note of the sign proclaiming "No Gas". Unsurprised but still discouraged he made his way back toward his cruiser. He paused thinking he has seen some movement ahead, crouching down he spied a child's feet clad in filthy bunny slippers. Quickly he stood hoping to gain her attention, assuming she needed help. "Little Girl." he called "Little girl, it's okay I'm a policeman" he said again as she shuffled to a stop. Part of his mind knew her movements were not normal but he rejected the possibility that this could be caused by anything other than fatigue, and fear. When she turned to face him, his ability to deny the truth was gone and his heart broke as he lifted his Colt Python.

The little girls body fell backwards but before he fully lowered his gun he heard another sound behind him. Instinct had him crouching next to a car gun raised. Assuming another walker had been drawn by his shot moments before. He remained quiet hoping to avoid detection. Once his mind cleared he realized he was hearing the sounds of someone trying to muffle their cries. Standing he quietly made his way toward the sound hearing the occasional word, as he got closer.

"A cop... something you couldn't...not sure" He could tell it was a woman's voice and judging from the incoherence as well as the lack of response to her words, he assumed she was alone. Lowering his weapon slightly but keeping it at the ready he rounded the back of an old sedan.