Warning: None


The moment the second gate was slid shut behind them accompanied by the cracking lock, Daryl flipped his leg and slipped down. Bended knees absorbed the hit while he dropped his head relaxing.

Being a decent horseman while using modern amenities he had to compensate for the lack of saddle by squeezing the rounded body with his thighs that much harder. If sitting on a barrel is uncomfortable then moving on a live torso where muscles changed positions all the time was even worse. Most of all he missed the stirrups that enabled or at least facilitated moving with the horse. Instead he clashed with its mass like a sack of potatoes. Grimacing, he rubbed one of his buttocks. Much better, he lifted his head to be greeted with amused twinkles.

"That bad?"

He left it without a comment but the fact he switched hands focusing on the other side was an answer enough.

In one fluid movement Kagome slid to her tiptoes, her light landing in contrast with the cloud of dust billowed by Daryl. With one hand stroking the sandy mane, she partly turned towards the approaching man. His easy going gait and dropped shoulders created a harmless image but the way spectators straightened, how their eyes unconsciously followed him told her everything she needed to know. Here comes the boss.

Shuffling half-step closer to the big body, her knuckles whitened as she gripped the mane. In response the mare lifted her head flaring her nostrils.

Not good. They were both ready to bolt. Stepping forward, Daryl gingerly touched her elbow drawing her round eyes to his face. Her very blue eyes. Freezing surprised, he cleared his throat. "He won't hurt you. Rick just wanna ask some questions, is all."

Her gaze jumping between two men, she fidgeted coming closer.

"Rick" he outstretched a hand in a customary handshake. Gripping her elbow with the other palm she threw one last glance behind her. Reassured by the slight nod, she turned back. "Kagome."

Rubbing the scruff on his cheek, he put one leg forward "Look, Kagome. Each person who joins us must answer some questions."

"What questions?" she asked in a tiny voice.

"Just three." He pierced her with his gaze before starting "How many walkers have you killed?"

Tensing, she looked ahead, muscles on her jaw ticking as she stood silently. Lifting her head up, she squeezed shut her eyes to stop the tears that threatened to escape. Swallowing she self-accused "Not enough."

"How many people have you killed?"

"None." She blurted in a strong voice.

Shaking his head, he looked at his shoe before eying her skeptically "It is hard to believe."

Shrugging, she expanded. "There was this man who wanted... who tried… but I conked him and run. I don't think I killed him though. After that it just seemed easier to avoid all the rest."

A suspicion half - formed, he postponed the final question, opting for one that will appease his curiosity. "When was that?"

"Some moons ago." she admitted, her forehead wrinkling as she muttered under her nose. "8 maybe?"

Now, due to this revelation, he could interpret her body language better. She wasn't anxious because she had something to hide but because she was surrounded by people. Why join them?

"Why come here, then?"

"It seemed like the right thing to do." she smiled remembering Daryl's honest offer. She agreed despise the alarm ringing in her head, kindness being so rare these days. It also helped that she observed them for days forming her own assessment. They were good people... mostly.

Rick measured her from top to the bottom. She was an odd one, that's for sure… but before they will pass judgement on her, the last questions had to be asked. "Why don't you kill people?"

"I can't." she claimed with finality that cut any following discussion.

Nodding to himself, he skimmed over the faces. After some seconds, he pronounced "Ok… ok" Waving, he called "Carol, show her around."

A thin lady with short, curly hair came out of the crowd. Her face softened by a gentle expression, she circled an arm around Kagome's waist while gingerly leading her away by the elbow.

The girl followed first but before she could disappear in the dark interior, she dug her heels calling in worry "Kiki?"

Stopping, Carol followed Kagome's line of sight. The horse. Of course.

Beaming stronger she assured in soothing tones "Daryl will give her a nice rub and then he will feed her."

Perking, her eyes lit "He will?"

Daryl wanted to protest that no such thing will happen but Carol's heavy gaze brooked no argument. This was one of these decisions. Resigned, he grunted "Yeah."

Smile splitting her face she rummaged through her satchel. Fishing out an apple she run up to him passing it into his palm "Thanks! Be careful though, she likes them very much!" She returned waving at him before entering the building.

Staring after them he jumped back, startled by the sticky saliva on his hand. The mare was happily munching on the bit of fruit she managed to steal. Nonplussed, he cocked his head but conscious of being ridiculous he gave up and feed her the rest. Rubbing his hand over his trousers, he called for some dry cloth.


A/N – thank you for the encouraging support.

I saw today the new episode of season 6 and I wonder did they plan it in advance or was it created under the criticism from the Game of Thrones (you know, non zombie show having the best zombie battle)? The amount of walkers was... wow. It was really intense episode and this is just the beginning! Needless to say, I felt energize and penned this little piece.

Review please.