Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Walking Dead. All rights reserved to their respective owners.

Chapter One: The Calm Before The Storm

It's an oddly calm morning at the motor inn considering that just days earlier the group had dealt with more than anybody should ever have to go through.

After what had happened at the St. John's Dairy it was easy to say that it was likely that the group wouldn't be trusting any strangers anytime soon, if ever.

The unfortunate thing was that the group had no choice but to move on and continue their lives. Carley and Ben have been on a hunting trip in the hopes of finding something, or for that matter anything to bring back for the group to eat.

"I hope we find something to eat soon, I'm starving." Ben whispered while looking around the forest for any signs of wild life. "Yeah, I know what you mean, even with the supplies we got from the station wagon we don't have anywhere close to enough food, especially with the temperature dropping." Carley whispered quietly. "Do you think that the owner of the car came back, like Lee feared?" He asked. "I don't know, I really hope that it really was abandoned, otherwise we may have sentenced somebody to death for no other reason than desperation." Carley replied. Before Ben could say anything else the both of them heard branches snapping just slightly ahead of them. "It may be something to eat, keep low and keep quiet." The former reporter said while tightening her grip on the hunting rifle normally used to help defend the motor inn's perimeter from potential threats. As they closed in on the source of the noises Carley froze in her steps and lowered the gun. It was a person, a LIVING person!

Before either one of them had time to do anything the stranger turned around. "Holy crap! Who are you!?" the strange man said. Before they answered he spoke again. "Please don't kill me, I'm…I'm just trying to survive." Realizing that he had no weapons on him she lowered her gun and her guard. "Don't worry, we're not gonna hurt you." Carley said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you and your friend." The stranger said.

Carley was surprised this guy was oddly nice and seemed like a normal person, a little worried and jumpy, but normal.

"My name is Hunter, I sincerely hope you're not about to rob me or eat me." He said with a little chuckle, not realizing what Ben and Carley's group had just gone through. "I'm Ben and this is Carley." Ben finally spoke. "Pleasure to meet you both, you guys don't seem like normal people. It's a nice change of pace." Hunter said while offering his hand to the two people he had just met. After shaking his hand Carley examined Hunter's make shift camp, and it was abundantly clear that this guy Hunter was on his own. While examining the camp she noticed a large duffle bag and a backpack stuffed with an absurd amount of food. Hunter noticed this and spoke again. "Would you like something to eat?" he asked. "No, I can't. It doesn't feel right." She replied. "We're out hunting for our group." Ben added. "Wait? You've got a bigger group?" Hunter asked. "Could I…maybe join your group. I don't think I'll make it out here much longer." He added. "I don't think so, we just had a big issue with strangers not too long ago." Carley answered. "Please I can offer everything I have." He quickly responded. Knowing that Lee would say that he deserves a fighting chance she gave in. "Fine get your stuff, but I can't make any promises, we will see what the rest of the group wants." She said. "Thanks, I swear to all things holy that I will do whatever is needed to be done. You won't regret this." Hunter said with much excitement.

Back at the motor inn Lilly, Katjaa, Clementine and Duck were waiting for Lee, Kenny, Carley and Ben to get back from their attempts to get food and supplies. Lilly was on top of the RV keeping watch when she heard footsteps and voices. "Everyone get down!" Lilly ordered. Suddenly Carley, Ben and Hunter emerged from the forest. Hunter saw the arrows stuck to the walls around the motor inn. "Green Arrow live around here?" He sarcastically asked. "No it's those damn bandits. They've been quiet for a while though." Carley said while cracking a smile at his comment. As she opened the gate Lilly confronted them. "Who in God's name is this?" Lilly demanded while glaring at the strange man. "My name is Hunter, I swear I'm just looking for help." He answered. "Well it's not here, so leave!" Lilly spat back. "How are you on food…and…supplies? I can offer it all to you." Hunter said while unzipping the backpack. "We're fine and Ben take watch, now!" The woman said with a lot of anger. Ben took the rifle from Carley and did as he was told. "I am also a hard worker, I'll do anything. I'm done being alone, just give me a chance to prove my worth." Hunter said with determination in his voice. Lilly felt some sympathy for the young man and began to soften up. "I…I don't know." Lilly said with some kindness. Suddenly Carley defended Hunter "We have to believe that there are still good people in this world. He's willing to help us, let's give him a chance." Carley said. "Fine, but if he becomes a problem, he's gone." Lilly said giving in. "Thank you." Said Hunter while offering to shake Lilly's hand, but Lilly turned away and muttered something to herself before slamming her door.