Title: The Red String of Fate

Author: YaoiGoddessNekoJin

Rating: M

Warnings: Language, Slash, Violence, Child Abuse, Mentions of Drug Use, Mentions of Under Age Non-Con

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own... =(

A/N: Alright, this is going to be a lengthy author's note, but please read it. I am aware that Daryl is OOC from the show. You have to remember that he has gone through things in this story that he didn't in the show. As a result of that, his behavior is going to be different as well. Daryl is a person who has emotions. He tries to hide them, but that doesn't always work. I mean, my gosh people, the man was just raped! If you don't like the way that Daryl behaves, then please don't read this story. This is, after all, my fic. Yes, I'm writing it for you guys as well, but in the end, what I say goes. I try to keep him as in character as possible, but that just doesn't fly in certain situations. Please don't leave anymore reviews about how he is weak or OOC. That is in no way constructive, it's just annoying. Anyway, thank you for reading my rant. The moment this story becomes work is the moment I take a break from it. Please, for all of our sakes, don't make this hard for me.

The Red String of Fate

Part VIII

Rick was furious. He was going to rip Shane a new one for what he did to Daryl. He swiftly made his way out to the campsite, playing the conversation he just had with Hershel over and over in his head.

Hershel walked out of the room, a solemn look on his face. He was wiping his hands on a rag he held while he approached Rick.

"I'm afraid it's bad. He still hasn't woken up and that gave me a chance to tend to his wounds. His stitches on his side were ripped and I had to redo them. He has bruises on his face as well as his forearms and one of his legs. It seems like he put up quite a fight." Hershel stopped and looked into Rick's eyes. Rick felt a feeling of foreboding, knowing that whatever happened, Hershel was having a hard time deciding whether or not to tell him. Finally coming to the conclusion that is was for the best, he continued. "I found the source of most of the blood." Hershel hesitated again and looked Rick in the eye. "He was raped Rick."

The first person he saw when he got to the campsite was Carol. She flinched slightly at the anger rolling off of him, but he didn't have the time or energy to make her more comfortable.

"Where's Shane?" he growled through his teeth. He did feel bad when he saw the small tremors wracking Carol's petite form, but it couldn't be helped at the moment.

"On watch." she squeaked.

"Thank you." Rick headed toward the RV, climbing the metal ladder to the top. Once there, he saw Shane looking off into the distance. He walked up behind the man and, with a hand on his shoulder, spun him around so that they were facing one another.

"What is your problem?!" Rick began to shout. "How could you?!"

"How could I what?" Shane responded coolly.

"You damn well know what I'm talking about."

"He's not one of us Rick! The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be!" he yelled back. Hearing all of the commotion, the other members of the camp began to surround the RV. Lori pushed her way to the front and climbed on top of the vehicle.

"What's going on here?" she asked. Rick turned around and glared at the woman.

"Did you know?" Lori looked bewildered.

"Know what?"

"What he did." Rick responded, face contorted with fury.

"What? I-I knew he might get violent. Why? What happened?" Deciding that Lori was just an idiot instead of being a part of Shane's plan, Rick turned back to the man. He drew back his fist and decked Shane, causing him to stumble backwards. The larger man growled and lunged at Rick. Lori screamed as an all out brawl erupted between the former friends. Rick used his shoulder and, aiming for Shane's mid-section, he shoved the man off of the RV, jumping off after him. Immediately, Glenn and T-Dog rushed to the men to pull them apart. Glenn grabbed Rick from behind and tugged him off of Shane as both men continued yelling at one another.

"You bastard! How could you?!"

"Why do you care?! I told you from day one that he was nothing but trouble!" Hearing the ruckus from outside his house, Hershel ran out into the yard, Maggie close on his heels.

"What the hell is going on out here?!" he bellowed, taking in the scene before him. Hershel glared at Shane, but his eyes softened slightly as he looked at Rick. Both men were bloody and dirty and heaving for air. "What's this about?" he asked. Before Shane could open his mouth to, no doubt, lie, Rick answered the farmer.

"Shane's the one who attacked Daryl." he spoke between huffs. Hershel looked back to the larger man and pointed a finger at him.

"You are not allowed to come into my house again. If you so much as get within ten feet of this front door, I will personally shoot you in the ass. Maggie." he said, turning to face his daughter. "Will you take Rick inside and tend to his wounds. Lori, I'll bring out some supplies and you can do as you please with him." he instructed, glaring at Shane once more. Maggie and Rick walked into the house with Hershel following. The group slowly began to process what had just happened and looked from one another to Shane. Dale was the first to speak.

"What did you do now?" he asked. Shane just ignored him and walked off towards the woods. Dale then turned questioning eyes to Lori. Unable to bear the stare without crumbling, Lori explained as best as she could.

"He...um...he hurt Daryl."

"Why?" Dale seemed incredulous. Lori just shook her head.

"He thinks Daryl is beneath all of us..." she trailed off absentmindedly, eyes following the path that Shane had just taken.

~x~x~x~

TBC...

A/N: Well, another chapter down.